The In Motion Dance Program at the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA will begin its 25th season in September. The Y’s dance program is designed to meet the needs of any student interested in the art of dance, with classes ranging from preschool through adult.
Beginning the week of September 6, the Y will offer the following classes:
- Pre-Ballet I & II for ages 3-5
- Jazz/Ballet Combo for ages 6-8
- Zumba Kids for ages 6-12
- Musical Theatre for ages 8-16
- Ballroom Dance for ages 16+
- Adult Repertoire for ages 16+
Students will grow their skills over the next nine months and perform at the Y’s annual In Motion Dance Showcase in 2022.
Nancy Gitlin, group fitness and dance supervisor at the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA, has overseen the program since its inception in 1996. She is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, and formerly taught at the internationally acclaimed Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
“The dance program touches the lives of preschoolers through adult,” said Gitlin. “Our mission is not only to instill the love of dance and develop technique, but to create a welcoming, engaging environment that builds self-esteem, confidence, dedication and respect for others.”
Registration can be completed at the Y or online at ymcagm.org/dance. In order to perform in the year-end dance showcase in spring 2022, students must register by January 14, 2022. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
