Teaching children to access creative flow through dance and artistic expression
Indigo Moon Creative Dance Collective has the mission to give children the opportunity to express their creative spirit through the medium of creative dance.
Creative dance draws out innate creativity and encourages joyful self expression. Children develop spatial and artistic awareness, movement and stillness, courage and strength whilst learning to be mindful of others and tuning-in to their body. Learning to value and trust their unique creative perspective is part of the process in learning creative dance.
The artistic use of storytelling, high quality music, poetry, improvisational movement, beautifully coloured and textured props allows for a magical dance experience. Whether it’s the Land of Rainbows or A Secret Garden, different themes, feelings and dance concepts are explored to nurture the child's imagination and growing body.
Why a dance collective?
I created Indigo Moon Creative Dance Collective for a few different reasons.
The first being that I am passionate about dance. I want to contribute to the artistic culture in Ballarat. I want to share my skills. I want to ground something beautiful on this earth. I want my own daughters to be involved in something magical. I love to work with children. I'm hoping a performance group will evolve that will contribute to the community of Ballarat, for example dancing for the elderly in nursing homes and showcasing our art at local festivals.
-Crystal Lewis, Director Indigo Moon
About Crystal Lewis
Beginning at age 7, Crystal Lewis undertook 10 years of training in classical ballet under the instruction on Jacqui Kornman of Echuca. She choreographed numerous high school musicals during her teenage years instructing large casts of students from the local high schools in her area. Crystal Lewis completed training at the Bhava School of Yoga and Creative Dance, Warrandyte, under the supervision of Lyn Colenso. She learned to teach yoga and children's creative dance at Bhava in the style envisioned by Dorotea Mangiamele. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Education and an Advanced Diploma in Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf) Education, Yoga Teachers Certificate and has enjoyed teaching in diverse settings. Crystal has two beautiful daughters who love to dance and believes that every child has a creative genius within. Crystal is inspired by Pina Bausch and Martha Graham for their uniqueness and presence in the art of dance.
At Indigo Moon, we teach students to listen to their body and listen to their intuition. Movement and action flows when there has been a connection to the inner self. Trusting the creative urges of the inner self is a process, it takes time and it takes practice. Centreing is a vital step to the creative process. Whether its song, dance, painting, writing or any other art form, connecting with our inner muse is the first step that is essential to creating something that is of value. Time and space to experiment and play within set boundaries helps children to become original thinkers and develop a strong sense of self.
Classes
CHILDREN'S CLASSES by Appointment
Crystal is currently only running classes by appointment for schools, kindergartens, childcare centres or private groups. These can be held at the studio or in your own venue. Contact Crystal for more information.
Bookings are essential
Classes are run by Crystal Lewis
Regular Classes
Parents are NOT permitted to stay and watch (except on the first class or if the child is not feeling comfortable on their own). Ideally, parents will give their child space and freedom to dance without being watched once they have settled in. Please be mindful that it is not appropriate for siblings, toddlers or parental conversations during class time inside the studio. Please wait outside downstairs and come in just before your child's class ends. Parents are not permitted to
take photos or videos of the children during class.
The studio is being hired from Body Brilliance Pilates and none of the equipment is to be touched by the children. I will let the students know this during class but also is good for parents to be aware of, especially if they have younger siblings with them at drop off or pick up time.
There are toilets within the studio which are within eyesight to the teacher.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Girls: black cap sleeve leotards (from Target) and leggings.
Boys: Black t-shirt, shorts or comfortable pants.
This is not compulsory but will help for a base for costumes in performances.
If they have a special dance skirt, fairy skirt, or anything they want to wear on the day to make it a special occasion they are most welcome.
In wearing something slightly different to their normal daytime clothes, the experience is made to feel special and there is a sense of ritual putting on the dance clothes for class.
Children dance in bare feet.
Children are expected to behave appropriately and with respect towards each other, the teacher and the space. The teacher has the right to cancel enrolment on the spot and will ring parents to pick up a child who is not behaving appropriately.
WHAT ABOUT ADULT CLASSES?
If you are interested in attending an adult creative dance class please put your name on the wait list and we will inform you when one opens up. In the meantime, Crystal can recommend some adult ballet or contemporary classes that are suitable for beginners run by different teachers and schools in Ballarat.
Get In Touch
Enrolments and Enquiries please call or email Crystal Lewis
Bookings essential
Mobile: 0419508724
Studio: (Body Brilliance Pilates )
1/122 Armstrong St S, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Gallery
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.
Martha Graham
dancer and choreographer
There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them!