DEAR DADS- DANCE IS A SPORT TOO! By Leonard Mardis
O
have realized the benefits of a structured dance program as a
ver the years, the most suc- cessful athletes in sports such as football, basketball, and baseball
development of our boys and girls.
1200 miles from home (Grenada, Mississippi), Leonard Mardis of Leonard’s Academy of Dance & Centre for the Arts (LAD) has become a known force in the dance community of Bran- don, Florida. This multicultural dance studio celebrates and embraces the different styles and
means to increase their balance, coordina- tion, and flexibility. Referred to as “only” an art form for centuries, many are unaware of the dedication, commitment, and physi- cal training that goes into the discipline of dance. Children that participate in dance on average achieve higher scores in school, are more aware of their weight and eating hab- its, and are more confident in routine activi- ties. The value gained from placing a child in a structured program such as dance provides the foundation for skills such as socialization, deci- sion making, and problem solving that will be useful throughout life. The staff and instruc- tors at Leonard’s Academy of Dance (LAD) are committed to the curriculum to hone these skills which are not only essential but crucial in the
characteristics of dance and the people who en- joy them. Many styles are offered at the stu- dio including: Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Pointe, Tap, African, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Modern, Liturgical, Tumbling, Technique, Ball- room, Salsa, and Belly dancing. LAD also choreographs wedding danc- es, sweet sixteen celebrations, and quinceañeras.
Within three years, LAD has moved into a new and bigger location to accommodate the growing number
of followers in this new campaign to bring more than just dance to our youths and adults. LAD has the most adult classes in the Brandon area. Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballroom, and Chicago Steppin’ are only a few of the adult classes which are constantly being introduced to our
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