At
The Barclay Classes, children learn so much more
than dancing!
For
generations, we have helped our students develop the
social skills and confidence
that are so
important in helping them grow into well-mannered
young adults. The classes are conducted in a party
atmosphere,
using games to keep the children engaged and to be
sure they are having fun while learning so many valuable
lessons. Using ballroom dancing as our teaching vehicle,
the Barclay program incorporates lessons in conversational
skills, proper introductions, table manners, and
a wide range of other topics, reinforcing lessons taught
by parents at home. Good manners formed early in
life
are those that are with us forever.
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Our
middle school program treats the children as young adults,
and they respond to this approach in a very positive manner.
We have table seating, and encourage interaction at each
table of eight - four boys and four girls. Refreshments
(soda, popcorn, chips, etc.) are shared at the tables with
much conversation and laughter. It is amazing to watch
the children relax and have fun as the evening progresses.
Of course the Barclay program of teaching dancing and good
manners is maintained and expanded throughout the Middle
School classes.
The
dance classes were started in 1930 by Miss Jesse
Dotterer. John Barclay took over shortly thereafter
and gave
the classes his name. William Thomson (pictured)
joined Mr. Barclay in 1956, and together they developed our
program
as
it is today. Mr. Thomson ultimately took over
the classes, and led the program until his death in
1991. His widow,
Lois (pictured), has successfully continued to
guide the classes in basic social etiquette while using ballroom
dancing
as the teaching vehicle.
The Barclay Classes are
held in an atmosphere conducive to learning self-control
and good manners. We feature simple, usable steps in
the Waltz, Fox Trot, Lindy, Cha Cha, Rhumba and other
dances, encouraging an appreciation of dance and music
that the children will carry throughout their lives.
We also include some "rock-n-roll" and line
dances, with current music, that the children really
enjoy. Time is set aside at each class to address manners
in a variety of social situations. Many topics will
be covered, including properly acknowledging people
as the children come in contact with them, telephone
and cellphone manners, introductions of friends to
parents and other adults, and entering and exiting
buildings properly. Emphasis is always
placed upon respectful
behavior in all social gatherings.
The classes present
a time during which we encourage the
children to observe small courtesies to one another.
We show them how to make a good first
impression by being able to shake hands and greet adults,
how to behave properly in social situations, and how
to be at ease in a formal atmosphere. During a time set
aside for conversation, the children learn to become
comfortable talking about a subject suggested by the
instructor. This is especially important for the shy
child as they learn to socialize with other children
they do not know well. This is all done within the group
in a very light and upbeat manner.
We
feel our program has a very worthwhile place in a child’s
social development. The combination of dance and manners
in the classes makes for a wonderful experience that
your children will draw from throughout their lives,
distinguishing them from others.
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