KEEP curriculum covers gross motor skills in a variety of challenges including, skipping, hopping, galloping, jumping, clapping, and running. Shapes and levels are explored in both stationary and traveling modes. Dancers are taught the proper way to jump for height and distance using bent knees to absorb shock. Dancers learn basic folk dance steps and how to create a sequence of movements. The importance of stretching and warming up is taught. Balance, strength and endurance are developed through exercises that build over the year. Dancers learn to recognize when they are working aerobically by checking breathing, heart rate, and sweat factor. We cover appropriate dress for exercise, the need for good nutrition and sleep, the importance of doing your best, and the danger of exercise with something in your mouth. Compliance is a major focus, and dancers know and must follow all class rules. Team and audience etiquette are stressed. Losing is presented as an acceptable aspect of attempting something and is never looked down upon, but treated with humor and good will. Dancers learn to be good winners and losers.
POLK SCHWARTZ