Creative Dance for Young Children

Guiding children in their creative & developmental
journeys through movement.

What we do.

**We use movement, songs, interactive stories, and structured play to encourage group cooperation, creative problem solving, and self-confidence.** The curriculum also features some ballet technique and terminology to refine physical skills, but the dance elements we explore are found in all genres of dance. Through creative dance, children become thoughtful, intelligent, and embodied movers and learners.
**Creative dance is for the *whole* child.** These lessons are student-centered and designed to meet the child where they are in their development. Each class, we explore movement concepts such as: spatial awareness, cross-lateral movement, alignment, and balance, that help to fill gaps in development and prepare children for all areas of life.
**Creative dance helps to connect the body and the mind.** A great example of this is our warm-up, using Anne Green Gilbert’s “Brain Dance” which you can read more about here. Children benefit just as much cognitively and socially as they do physically, and they have SO much fun!

Register for classes!

Testimonials

“My son absolutely loves LB's dance class! I've never seen him so enthusiastic about an extracurricular activity. He loves to come home and show us his new moves and talk us through what he and his classmates did - that's rare for him! LB is a treasure and we couldn't be more grateful that she came into our lives!”

— Parent, Lotus Montessori

“LB is exceptional with kids! Not only did my daughter get to learn (the kids version of) the art of dance from someone who's exceptional at it, but LB is fun and has a natural ability to lead and engage kids. My daughter was genuinely sad if there was ever a day when dance couldn't happen, and she was always excited on those days where she knew she got to go. I highly recommend LB and her class!”

— Parent, Athena Montessori

"Ronan has gone from watching others participate to being an active participant with LB's soft guidance and love of dance. He loves to dance at home and looks forward to class with LB every week!"

— Parent, Athena Montessori

Miss LB

My name is Laura Beth Flett, but my students call me LB or Miss LB! I started dancing at the age of four in Shreveport, Louisiana. Growing up I trained extensively in classical ballet and also studied modern technique, contemporary, jazz, tap, etc. I was extremely shy as a child, so dance helped me to open up and gain confidence in myself. I loved the challenge and I knew I wanted more.

After graduating high school, I attended the University of Texas at Austin where I received my BFA in Dance with a focus in dance education. With an even brighter passion for dance and movement, I started working as a dance instructor at a few different studios and after-school arts programs. I also began my work as a choreographer and professional dancer, primarily with a performance group I co-founded called TC Superstar.

In 2017, I began teaching creative movement for young children at Ballet Austin under the mentorship of Joan Wolfe. From working with Joan, I discovered how dance can help shape the whole child. I was also introduced to the teaching methods of Anne Green Gilbert, the creator of the BrainDance and founder of the Creative Dance Center. Anne’s method is development-focused and uses principles based on brain research to create an environment where students experience deep, embodied learning. I’ve had the unique opportunity to study under Anne Green Gilbert, and have adopted this method in my teaching. I also worked as an assistant guide at Athena Montessori Academy during the pandemic, and I have benefitted greatly from being immersed in the beautiful world of Montessori learning.

Currently, I work full-time as the Young Children’s Division Program Manager and Resident Instructor at Ballet Austin, and I also partner with Montessori preschools to develop extracurricular dance programs.

Through my six years of teaching creative dance, I have seen my students develop a strong sense of focus, ready for all types of learning. I have seen them grow courageous in their creativity. I have seen them become kind and encouraging to their peers. I have seen them transform into embodied and intelligent movers. Young children have so much potential! That is why I am committed to meeting children where they are, and then guiding them in their creative and developmental journeys through movement.