Summer Camp at Dance Connection Offers Fun and Development of Skills and Character

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. - May 12, 2014 - PRLog -- HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. – Say “summer camp,” and most people think of groups of kids competing in athletics or paddling in canoes, all overseen by a bunch of teen-agers not much older than the campers.  But many parents these days see camps as an opportunity to help their children develop specialized skills, find an outlet for their artistic talents and develop character, according to David Kieffer of the Dance Connection (www.danceconnectionnj.com).

The Dance Connection, a dance studio based in Hillsborough, offers a series of summer Performing Arts Camp sessions from July through August, and Kieffer says enrollment has followed a national trend of growing every year.

“Performing Arts Camp is a great opportunity to introduce children to acting, dancing and other facets of creativity,” he said. “For children who already have shown a talent, it’s a great time to help them develop those talents further. And because we only have a few children in each session, they learn what it’s like to be part of a team and to accomplish something as a team.”

Kieffer said The Dance Connection offers four one-week sessions that allow children to enjoy their creative side, and still leaves lots of time to explore other summer activities.

“Camps should give kids opportunities to grow in a lot of different directions,” said Kieffer. “We strive to give every camper a chance to explore their creative and artistic sides. By the end of the week, the children will present a program.  We know parents want to see a return on their investment these days.  Seeing children bloom on the stage goes way beyond a dollar figure.”

The Dance Connection actually runs several camps to cater to children of different ages and different experiences. One of those is the Performing Arts Camp for children in Kindergarten through fifth grade. In the first session, which runs from July 7 through July 11, children will create an adventure in ancient Egypt.  A Trip to North Pole is the theme of the second session, from July 14-18.  Campers produce a show about a sandy beach in a tropical place for Week 3, July 21-25. And Summer Camp will go Hollywood for the final session, which runs from July 28 through Aug. 1.

Children aged 3 to 5 attend the Angelina Ballerina Mini-Camp, which runs from June 16 to June 20 and promotes health, confidence and creativity. And for dancers from age 7 through their teens, there’s a Dance Intensive that runs from Aug. 11 through Aug. 29 and includes ballet and master classes plus classes in hip-hop, flexibility, muscle training and dance.

“We have something for everyone,” said Kieffer. “We also have regular weekly classes. But registration is under way and people need to register soon.”

Kieffer said enrollment at the Dance Connection Performing Arts Camp has been growing each year, reflecting a national trend. The American Camp Association says 11 million Americans went to summer camp last year, and that 76 percent of the camps nationwide said their enrollment was the same or higher in 2013, compared to 2012.  With that growth, said Kieffer, comes the responsibility to make the camps more exciting to campers and their parents, to make them safer for kids and more convenient for parents.

The Summer Performing Arts Camp is conducted by highly qualified teachers. They are adult professionals with extensive experience with children and in their art form. In addition, they are certified in first aid and CPR. Background checks are performed on every staff member.

In addition, every child participates and gets personal attention because of the low camper-to-staff ratio. And parents can take advantage of early drop off and pick up at no extra charge.

A complete schedule of classes is available at www.danceconnectionnj.com or by calling (908) 874-8800.

The Dance Connection has classes for dancers of all ages and abilities. Classes are available in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, theater and lyrical. There are combination classes and classes for boys and young men. The studio is an official Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy and is home to the New Jersey Youth Ballet.

Classes are taught in the Dance Connection’s 2,400-square-foot space with two studios and professional-grade dance floors and sound equipment. Located in Hillsborough, the Dance Connection serves Somerset County. More information is available at www.danceconnectionnj.com or by calling (908) 874-8800.