Since I have the pleasure of choosing all of the instructors at Mothers & Company, I thought I’d let you in on why they are so great (and why you should consider taking a class with them). I know they are creative, energetic, dedicated and talented, but do you? Here’s our inaugural Momma Interview with Laura Motta, the instructor for the upcoming Sweet Beginnings Dance classes at Mothers & Company. Interested or just think she/the class sounds cool, please repost this via Facebook or Twitter or email to friends who have kids. Thanks for reading!
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What is your background, before you were a mom?
While attending Worcester State College, I was a member of the Dance Company. Not only did
I fall more in love with dance, but I found my passion for teaching. After graduating college, I opened a dance studio where I could expand my love of teaching to children as well. I was the owner of A Step Up Dance Studio for 6 years up until a few months ago. My son was born in September 2010 and my priorities shifted where I wanted to spend more of my time and energy with him. I decided to step down as owner/director to an instructor which has been wonderful because I am still able to teach my students who I have watched grow over the years! I am so happy to join forces with Mothers & Company because I am able to continue my love and passion with all of you!
What brought you to dance?
I look at dance as a great escape. Whenever I am feeling wound up, at my edge or ready to lose it (which I am sure as parents, we have all been there), dance is my place to release that tension and stress from everyday life.
I grew up doing gymnastics. There we had to take dance classes as part of our training. I always loved going up to the dance room to practice. That is what kept me dancing into college and into opening my studio.
When you’re working with kids, what do you find helps them follow along in a dance class and connect with their bodies in a new way?
When teaching, I have found that music is a key factor for holding kids attention. I really try to incorporate different songs with fun beats to draw the kids into their movements. I also like to repeat a few songs throughout the session to help improve their music recognition. The best is when I get a song request from a little one!
Children tend to get bored easily at this age so the class is continually changing with new dances/activities. Props are a great way for kids to connect with their bodies. For example, scarves work wonderfully as an extension of their hands and are a perfect way to show smooth vs. sharp movements.
Some parents are nervous to come to a dance class WITH their child…what do you say to that?
Don’t be nervous! This class is a great way to do something FUN with your baby (yes…we can still call our 4 year olds our babies too!)! Also, the class is really geared towards the kids so don’t feel like you’re going to need a sweatband and water bottle to make it through. There will movement but nothing extreme. One thing I am very aware of is the fact that all kids are different! Some kids need/want their Mom or Dad holding their hand throughout the class while others are ready to venture away and explore a bit more. Both situations are O.K.! There may be portions of the class where I will ask the parents to sit to the side but parents will always be welcome to stay with their child if that is what the child needs. This class is not designed to make the parents uncomfortable – it is designed to make your children comfortable. It will also be an excellent way to witness how your child interacts with others in a structured setting.
What’s one thing that you can share about yourself that’s more unique and not related to motherhood, dance or your past professional life…what’s your passion/guilty pleasure/favorite hobby or pasttime?
I love to SWIM! If I could swim all day, I definitely would. When I was younger, we would go on family vacations and I would stay in the pool for 6 hours at a time. And when watching The Little Mermaid, I never understood why she wanted to be human when she got to swim all day, every day! Ha!
If you had more time, is there another job or activity you’d love to do?
Now that you have me thinking about swimming, something I would really love to learn to do is surf!
Any additional thoughts/comments about Sweet Beginnings Dance?
A lot of dance studios require you to sign up for an entire dance season (9-10 months) and that can be a big commitment for your little one! This 6-week session is a perfect way to help your child figure out if dance is what they are interested in doing long-term. You’ll also be able to take home some new and fun ideas to use in your daily routines!
I really look forward to dancing with you. It’s always fun to try something new!
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Laura’s classes start Wednesday, September 14. There are two classes available (both six-week sessions):
9:15 – 10:00 am for 2-4 year-olds
10:15 – 11:00 am for 12-24 month-olds
