Creative Movement (ages 3-5)

Location:  Room I

Faculty: Deborah Grebel

Description: Specifically designed by Deborah Grebel for younger children to encourage self-expression and creative movement, this class combines education and gentle structure with spontaneity in a playful environment. The class offers music, ranging from nursery rhyme songs to classical, to tell stories that the class interprets through movement and dance. Deborah Grebel developed the 'Princess, Princess Ballerina' game for the girls and the 'Prince, Prince Charming' game for the boys. The children develop balance, creativity and rhythm while exploring the different ways they can move with different types of music. The class also utilizes props such as scarves, wands, and stuffed animals for added creativity. Stretching and age-appropriate motor development skills are an important part of this class. Deborah Grebel, who holds degrees in ballet, dance physiology, early childhood education, and kinesiology, has been teaching and choreographing for children for 28 years, beginning at Briarwaood Ballet School, ten years with the UAB Youth Ballet, and also founded the North Jefferson Academy of Dance. Debbie is married to Stevan Grebel. They live in Pelham and are directors and owners of the Stevan Grebel Center for Dance. They have three children, a grandson, Mykell Prince and another grandson, Douglas Johnsey, on the way.