children's dance programs serving southern california schools
Inspiring Growth: A Message for Teachers & Principals
Look no further!! My 6-Session Dance Challenge
is an exhilarating journey filled with dance and
movement that promises to be fun and enriching!
Are you searching for a dynamic and meaningful
addition to your curriculum that will engage your
students and foster their creativity?
Have you considered the impact of integrating
dance into early childhood physical education
programs?
Are you intrigued by using dance to promote
physical activity and health in young children?
schedule a free call
As a Professional Expert for the California Proposition 28 Visual and Performing Arts funding program, I have the privilege of supporting a groundbreaking initiative that enriches arts education in public schools. Proposition 28, passed in 2022, allocates dedicated funding to ensure students across California have access to high-quality arts education in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. This funding is a game-changer, particularly for schools that may not have had the resources to offer these vital programs before.
By providing a designated budget for visual and performing arts, schools can now integrate engaging, creative courses as part of their curriculum. As an experienced dance instructor, I help bring this funding to life by developing a PE class option that incorporates movement, dance, and self-expression, offering students a dynamic alternative to traditional sports. I’m excited to be part of this initiative, which gives local students the opportunity to explore the arts in a meaningful and transformative way.
Transforming PE Class with Dance Through California’s Prop 28 Arts Funding
contact me
Teachers & Principals: get in touch and I will send you my Program Outline pdf to learn more about the benefits of dance in your school.
"Our district has offered the "Music 'N Motion" dance program taught by Miss Melinda Fornero or one of her qualified staff, to all fourth graders in the district since 2005. The program has been extremely successful! Parents, principals, teachers and students consistently share how amazed they were with how much they learned in such a short amount of time...and had a lot of fun along the way! The program is inclusive for ALL kids. We look forward to expanding the program to other grade levels!"
Tom Whaley, Visual & Performing Arts Coordinator, Santa Monica, Malibu School District
"Teachers are caring, kind and bursting with enthusiasm. Students learn about body awareness through creative dance movements. Students are also able to work on their social skills, by participating in bubbly free dance, which the children love. As a teacher, I have had the opportunity to see numerous students bloom from participating in this program."
Director, Child Development Center, Redondo Beach, CA
Music Magic: The program incorporates
lively music into each exercise, teaching dance
vocabulary, rhythm, counting, and spatial
awareness in a fun and interactive way.
Efficient Exercise: Designed to target
muscles, joints, and ligaments, my program
improves fine and gross motor skills, body
management, and flexibility, setting a solid
foundation for physical development in young
children.
Ballet with a Twist: I infuse classic ballet
poses and movements with a playful twist,
encouraging children to unleash their
imagination and creativity.
Self-Confidence Boost: My step-by-step
approach allows children to progress at their
own pace, building self-esteem and
confidence as they master new moves.
Here's why my program is perfect for your School:
Choreography Fun: Through the choreographed
routine, children enhance coordination, agility, and
flexibility while boosting physical confidence and
mental sharpness.
Free Dance Freedom: During the Free Dance
portion of the class, children can express
themselves freely, fostering creativity and selfexpression.
Review and Reflect: Each session ends with a
review and quiet time, promoting cognitive skills,
memory, and relaxation to ensure a well-rounded
experience.
And that's not all!
Silly Warm-Up: My sessions kick off with a fun
and creative warm-up plan featuring exercises like
"Stinky Toes," "Chop Mountains," and "Hot Lava" to
get children giggling and ready to move!
"Mama Watch Me Dance" Routine: Children will
learn the choreographed dance routine set to a
signature song specially crafted for my program
"I like to do dance with Miss Melinda and to do free dance. Miss Melinda loves me and makes me proud."
Emily, Age 5
Our work together involves a personalized plan for your school that includes…
Classes that offer a fun and fitness-focused experience for your students.
The program provides a transformative experience that nurtures music recognition, rhythm, and counting skills. My unique and quirky approach, characterized by playful and engaging dance moves, sets me apart. My signature style encourages free expression, emphasizing the importance of being in the moment.
In the Dance Challenge, we explore the song structure of the music students will learn for their routine. We break down elements like verses, choruses, bridges, and instrumentals to help them understand the rhythm and tempo changes. This knowledge empowers the students to synchronize their movements effectively with the music, fostering both dance proficiency and musical creativity.
In addition to the fun and fitness-focused dance program, I’ve included centering and breathing exercises that allow self-reflection. These exercises help children focus their minds and calm their bodies, allowing them to engage in the dance experience fully. The program offers a holistic learning approach incorporating these centering exercises and promoting physical health and emotional well- being.
We also explore the emotional dimension of dance. We discuss how music can evoke many emotions and uplift our spirits, and I introduce positive affirmations to boost children's confidence and self-esteem. Throughout the program, I emphasize the importance of self-belief, reinforcing that each student is strong, capable, and exceptional. Integrating positive affirmations into the dance curriculum offers students a valuable personal growth and development tool.
- Classes that offer a fun and fitness-focused experience for your students.
- The program provides a transformative experience that nurtures music recognition, rhythm, and counting skills. My unique and quirky approach, characterized by playful and engaging dance moves, sets me apart. My signature style encourages free expression, emphasizing the importance of being in the moment.
- In the Dance Challenge, we explore the song structure of the music students will learn for their routine. We break down elements like verses, choruses, bridges, and instrumentals to help them understand the rhythm and tempo changes. This knowledge empowers the students to synchronize their movements effectively with the music, fostering both dance proficiency and musical creativity.
- In addition to the fun and fitness-focused dance program, I’ve included centering and breathing exercises that allow self-reflection. These exercises help children focus their minds and calm their bodies, allowing them to engage in the dance experience fully. The program offers a holistic learning approach incorporating these centering exercises and promoting physical health and emotional well- being.
- We also explore the emotional dimension of dance. We discuss how music can evoke many emotions and uplift our spirits, and I introduce positive affirmations to boost children's confidence and self-esteem. Throughout the program, I emphasize the importance of self-belief, reinforcing that each student is strong, capable, and exceptional. Integrating positive affirmations into the dance curriculum offers students a valuable personal growth and development tool.
of your elementary students with my dance classes & dance routine. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity that will help you take your school's program to the next level, giving them a memorable and exciting opportunity to shine!
Unlock the potential of your elementary students with my dance classes & dance routine. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity that will help you take your school's program to the next level, giving them a memorable and exciting opportunity to shine!
With the launch of Music N' Motion in 2000, I developed a preschool dance curriculum aligned with California Physical Education Standards and the Santa Monica Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) curriculum. Various school districts, including Santa Monica Malibu Unified, Redondo Beach Unified, Torrance Unified, and numerous private preschools across the South Bay, have embraced my programs.
Our classes at MNM are geared toward both boys and girls and are a fun-filled experience that combines elements of Pop, Jazz, Ballet, and Broadway. Classes incorporate dance vocabulary, easy-to-learn choreography, rhythm and counting, music accompaniment, and more. The structured program is an excellent opportunity for children to develop musicality, teamwork, confidence, and self-esteem. My curriculum engages young minds and bodies, promoting learning, creativity, and self-expression through dance. This raises the bar for children's educational, physical, and artistic development.
After-School Enrichment Classes
Meeting Standards. Exceeding Expectations.
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Click the button below to view our current afterschool programs and to get your child registered.
“Thank you so much for giving the gift of allowing me to watch my daughter dance. . . As a dancer myself, I have always danced with her, even when she was in the womb. I have tried so hard not to push it on her. Watching her today was a highlight of my year. Thank you for allowing her to be her goofy self and inspiring her to have fun while dancing!”
Montessori Preschool Mom
"Molly has really enjoyed your classes and I really appreciate all you have done to help Mo come out of her shell a little bit. 2 years ago, as you know, she had a real hard time even getting through half of a dance class. So to now see her up there performing with her classmates makes my heart swell."
preschool mom
"I wanted to thank you for the wonderful performance last week; I am so proud of Alexander and all of the children. You have taken such care in making sure they learn and have fun. I'm so glad that Alexander is a part of the classes!"
Alison, Mom
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your specific needs and learn how my after-school dance programs can benefit your students. Teachers & Principals: Contact me and I will send you my Program Outline pdf to learn more about the benefits of dance in your school. Let's work together to create a fun, engaging, and enriching experience for your school community.
let's chat!
