Get a Move On

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: March 2024

Ballet at Community Bible Church

If the return of warmer weather has revived your spirits, if the arrival of Bear Shadow has prompted you to slip on your dancing shoes, there are two opportunities to get into shape and dance to your heart’s content.

First, Community Bible Church in Highlands has established Creation Music and Arts, a fine and performing arts academy for young people throughout Highlands and Cashiers and the surrounding communities.

The academy offers lessons in art, music, and ballet.

The ballet classes are divided into: Introduction to Ballet for students three and up; Ballet I through Ballet III; Ballet IV (by invitation); and Ballet IV Pointe (by invitation).

Classes are led by Julie Hughes and her students/instructors Radiance Hoagland and Briella McKim.

“Each level of ballet class varies in regard to the steps taught, but they all learn the fundamentals of the classical ballet technique,” says Hughes. “Even from age three we teach them the proper ballet term and meaning, so that they understand how to execute each step even from an early age. I expect all classes to improve your child’s coordination, cognitive memory, focus, confidence, and grace.

“At the beginning of each class we give thanks to God for the gift of dance and lift one another up in prayer by request. I find that these classes have become so much more than dance, they have become like family that are growing together.”

Horizon 5Rhythms Dance Movement at
The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center.

That unity of spirit and attention to excellence is mirrored in a dance workshop being held at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center – Horizon 5Rhythms Dance Movement Retreat Spring 2024, set for March 21-24.

“This retreat is for you if: You’re drawn to dance and movement but sometimes feel inhibited about your expression or ability to move on the outside the way you feel on the inside; You’ve been dancing all your life and now you’d like to tap into that feeling of transcendence that happens now and then on a more consistent basis; you haven’t given yourself time or space to explore movement in a way that feels safe, creative and maybe even mystical,” says instructor Julie Stuart. “This workshop is for people who are new to 5Rhythms or who have danced the practice for decades. We welcome people of all cultures, colors, creeds, all genders and sexualities, all sizes, abilities, and life stages. You don’t need to feel strong or energetic to join us. If you’re breathing, you’ve got all you need. Chairs available for seated dance.”

To learn more and register for ballet classes, visit cbccreation.com. To register for the 5Rhythms Retreat, visit themountainrlc.org.