Small Steps, Big Impact: Childcare Resources Partners with Ballet Vero Beach

Ballet Vero Beach Ballet Master Camilo Rodriguez engaging with infants in the Turtles classroom, fostering early developmental skills through movement and music.

Childcare Resources of Indian River is excited to celebrate its growing partnership with Ballet Vero Beach, a collaboration that began in Fall 2023 and has since expanded to include additional classrooms, including two infant rooms. This innovative partnership uses the power of dance to enhance early childhood education, helping children as young as six weeks old build confidence, creativity, and critical developmental skills.

Each week, Ballet Vero Beach instructors bring the magic of movement and music into classrooms, introducing children to the joy of dance while fostering physical coordination.

Ballet Vero Beach dancers guide students from the Chrysanthemums classroom through a creative movement routine, helping them develop coordination, balance, and a love for the arts.

“Dance plays a critical role in early education,” said Camilo Rodriguez, Ballet Vero Beach Ballet Master. “It teaches coordination, balance, and safe movement while also encouraging communication. Every moment in class is a learning opportunity, whether children are mimicking movements, making choices, or practicing patience and listening skills.”

Since the program's inception, its effects have been transformational. Infants in the Frogs classroom, initially hesitant, now smile eagerly and engage with their instructors, demonstrating increased comfort and curiosity. Preschoolers in the Ducklings classroom enthusiastically look forward to dance day, using the opportunity to develop patience, focus, and resilience as they navigate challenges in movement and emotion.

Ballet Vero Beach dancer Marlyse Noble leads an engaging session with students.

The partnership has created many heartwarming memories for instructors as well. “Returning after winter break and seeing the children’s beaming smiles and excitement was unforgettable,” said dancer Marlyse Noble. “Watching them practice and improve each week is so rewarding.”

By incorporating creative arts like dance into its curriculum, Childcare Resources continues to provide a well-rounded, high-quality education for its students. The program not only enhances cognitive and physical development but also nurtures trust and effective communication.

“Our collaboration with Ballet Vero Beach demonstrates the incredible impact of integrating arts into early education,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Childcare Resources Executive Director. “We are thrilled to see the growth and joy this program has brought to our students and are excited to continue working together to inspire young minds.”