For the past four weeks, 13 aspiring dancers have gathered at Lynnville City Hall to shake off the winter blues and expand dance skills at Frozen dance camp. The bi-weekly class, taught by Angie Ver Ploeg of rural Sully, has given the little girls the opportunity to have fun and burn energy all while expressing themselves through dance.
Some of the girls are naturals in the spotlight, soaking up Ver Ploeg’s patient instruction and graciously moving through the steps with ease. For other little dancers, the class has given them the confidence to step outside their comfort zone, learn proper dance technique, and share giggles with friends.
A self-taught dancer, Ver Ploeg led the group through three dance routines of ballet, jazz, and tap. The girls performed the routines to songs “Do You Want to Build a Snowman,” “Frozen Heart,” and “In Summer” from Disney’s popular Frozen soundtrack. During the final class on Jan. 28, proud family and friends were in the audience to watch the young girls’ polished performance.
Ver Ploeg’s interest in dance started as a young girl and has only grown since becoming a mother of three, two of whom are little dancers. Ver Ploeg’s dance class is perfect for parents who want their children to participate in a fun, no-stress, and affordable dance class.
“I love teaching, and I like to be with kids, especially building relationships with my own kids,” said Ver Ploeg. “I had three goals for the class: Exercise in the middle of winter, learn new things, and build new friendships. I think all three goals were met!”
The first Frozen dance camp is just the tip of the iceberg for Ver Ploeg, who has several fun youth events in the works. A second Frozen dance camp, already at full capacity, will start in February for Ver Ploeg’s first dance camp students. In March, Ver Ploeg will again offer Frozen dance camp to the public for children ages four to 10. It’s not too late to register your little one and join the camp for fun Mondays in March.
Do you have a little girl in love with princesses? Ver Ploeg is branching out and in addition to dance classes, she is hosting Princess Parties at Lynnville City Hall. Both the Cinderella and Elsa Princess Parties are already at full capacity, and Ver Ploeg has plans for more in the future. Each party is carefully planned to make little girls’ dreams come true – participants will receive a picture with the princess, participate in themed games, crafts, and stories, and go home with a souvenir.
Members of the first Frozen dance camp: Front, Braelynn Schwab, Alexa Van Zante, Brooklyn Vos, Haley Maston, Ady Van Essen, Sawyer Osborn; back, Ayla Van Maanen, Danika Olivier, Abigail Ver Ploeg, Sadie Vander Wilt, Bria Van Soelen, Shelby Van Baale, Rylyn Van Essen, and Angie Ver Ploeg, instructor.
With toddlers in mind, Ver Ploeg will also offer a Mommy-and-Me Toddler Time on Monday afternoons in March for boys and girls ages 18-36 months and their caregiver. Four 30-minute sessions will center around the exploration of song, dance, and instruments to the tune of basic nursery rhymes.
Ver Ploeg has a plethora of fun and interactive opportunities she is excited to introduce to area children and their parents. Space is limited for all of Ver Ploeg’s upcoming events. Interested parents are encouraged to contact Ver Ploeg at capecchiac@hotmail.com.
