Community dance program boogies onto campus

Amelia Pelton, director of dance at Georgia College exudes her passion for the art form.Sixteen years ago, Pelton put her love for dance into action, and with the help of the Department of Continuing Education, she designed a non-credit community dance program.

The program is an on-campus dance studio that offers non-credit dance classes. One of the most unique aspects of this program is that anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate – college students, community members, and even faculty and staff. There are even partial scholarships offered to some students who cannot afford the cost of dance classe

Pelton’s idea to design such a program is based on her desire to afford children in the community an opportunity to dance.

“I saw the need for quality dance instruction on our campus. Dance builds confidence, musicality, is wonderful exercise, and is fun,” Pelton said.

The non-credit community dance program offers classes ten months out of the year, running from August to May. Most classes run for an hour. Some classes offered include creative movement, ballet, jazz, tap and musical theatre dance. An added perk to the program is no experience is necessary.

“We welcome everyone from advanced to no experience. We have a place for everyone,” Pelton said.

Senior management major and instructor for the community dance program, Elizabeth Bryant, adds, “There are classes available for all ages and all skill levels. If you have ever wanted to dance, this is a great opportunity to do so.”

Additionally, participants have two opportunities per school-year to showcase what they have learned. In December students will be able to perform in the Nutcracker and later on, in the Spring Semester, students will perform in the Spring Dance Program.

Junior mass communication major, Julia Richardson, is another dancer who encourages students to get involved.

“I love the dance program at Georgia College. I have participated in the dance minor concert for two years now and it is a lot of fun. I would encourage people to get involved,” Richardson said.

One of the biggest questions many students ask in regards to this dance program pertain to the costs involved. The non-credit community dance program charges students $40 per month for the first class and $35 for each additional class. Other costs include a costume for the Nutcracker and dancewear. Despite the cost involved, Pelton still encourages students to get involved with the non-credit community dance program.

“We’re like a family, not just a class where people come in and out.”

If interested in finding out more about the non-credit community dance program, contact Amelia Pelton at Amelia.pelton@gcsu.edu, or call the Department of Theatre at (478)445-8290.

Posted by Brennan Meagher on Sep 22 2011. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.