ParkTalk Podcast: Looking Back on a Lifetime of Dance at the Naperville Park District

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Episode Description:

Preparation for the Spring Dance Recital takes a lot of hard work. Dance Academy alumni, Mary Redgate and Ellie Laflamme, talk about their experiences dancing for the Park District and their passion for the artform.

Quotes from the Episode:

What are challenges a group may face preparing for the spring dance recital?

Since a lot of the classes only meet once a week, it was challenging for kids to remember choreography. Also, timing as a group is challenging, especially with younger kids, can be challenging. It makes for great teamwork and builds great friendships. – Mary Redgate

How does dancing benefit children, even if they don’t continue the activity when they’re older?

A big benefit is learning commitment. Children might not have much to do besides practice once or twice a week, and sometimes you didn’t want to go. But it was the start of learning to put passion an energy into something you loved doing just to have a great turnout at the recital. – Ellie Laflamme

What is the importance of dance in our culture?

I feel it teaches a lot of expression, especially as you get older, and you try out different styles. You can figure out which style suits you best, and it’s a way for you to turn off your stress for the day. Being able to go to dance class and let off some steam is cool. Watching what other people create through choreography and music: it’s almost like an art gallery. – Mary Redgate