Creative Dance for Children

Creative Dance for Children offers creative dance classes that include exploration and improvisation, traveling across the floor, moving through an obstacle course, learning a folk dance, learning dances, creating dances, and a BrainDance warm-up. Classes are grouped by age rather than skill level and use a 5-part lesson plan based on Anne Green Gilbert’s Brain Compatible Dance Education, including a developmentally appropriate warm-up called the BrainDance. Classes are closed to caregivers except on “Informance” days.

• Ages: 4–10 years old
• Schedule: Saturday mornings, September 12 – November 7, 2026 (no class on October 17)

Creative Dance for Children is an innovative community program provided by the University of Illinois Department of Dance. Instructors collaborate to design and deliver creative dance classes tailored for children aged 4–10, with a focus on nurturing creativity and imagination. The child-centered approach focuses on dance concepts, social skills, and authentic movement expression through exploration and improvisation. Creative Dance for Children (CDFC) has been a treasured offering to the community for over 50 years.

Creative Dance for Children is provided by the University of Illinois Department of Dance under the direction of Betty Allen. Instructors are Betty Allen and Ty Lewis. Students should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that are easy to move in and bare feet.

Last updated May 24, 2026.