MovementWorks Dance and Fitness enrolling for classes, performance dance team

MovementWorks Dance and Fitness, 12077 Leavitt Road in Oberlin, is enrolling for upcoming fall classes and dance team positions.

Acro dance and other classes will begin Sept. 5, according to Jess Widener-Pruitt, owner and instructor.

Noncompetitive dance team placement auditions prior to classes will take place Aug. 14, Widener-Pruitt said.

Though offering many different styles of dance classes, acro is best described as gymnastics for dancers, and includes learning how to develop strength, flexibility and techniques to execute acrobatic tricks in choreography, she said.

“They’re doing additional strength training, coordination exercises, and they have new skills and tricks that they’re able to take into their choreography,” Widener-Pruitt said.

“The training students receive in their acro dance classes helps to reinforce the technique in all other dance genres.”

Acro classes are split up in four groups: preschool; elementary; intermediate; and advanced.

Additional assessing can take place in case a student best fits in a different level or curriculum needs shifted, Widener-Pruitt said.

“We pride ourselves on providing developmentally appropriate lessons in all genres,” she said. “Something that we really like to focus on is that we’re providing a process-focused rather than a product-focused environment and curriculum.”

Due to the amount of additional strength and flexibility training, Widener-Pruitt said acro classes help build a foundation for other dance styles, the performance dance team and even other activities, like cheerleading.

Adding acro dance is “next-level training” that not only develops a specific skill set, but helps make well-rounded and versatile dancers, she said.

“They come to class and have fun and they get excited,” Widener-Pruitt said. “Sometimes, we have to remind them to use their inside voices because they’re having so much fun.

“The response is pretty good; it’s quite a popular genre at the studio, for sure.”

Upcoming programs at MovementWorks include placement auditions for the studio’s noncompetitive dance team, where children who love to dance can perform without feeling pressure that can be associated with competitive dancing, Widener-Pruitt said.

No child is turned down from the team, and performances occur throughout the season, with shows in local nursing homes, a recital around Mother’s Day and a performance at a Cleveland Charge basketball game, she said.

“We step away from the harsh focus on body image and financial stress that comes with competition, and rather work to grow the love of dance and strengthen the concept of self worth,” Widener-Pruitt said.

For more on classes, auditions or other information, visit www.movementworksdance.com or call 440-462-8970.