Toddlers exercise their bodies, brains

OLYMPIA - With nursery rhymes, a climb-and-crawl obstacle course and classic dance songs such as the "Hokey Pokey," the new toddler-parent class offered at Waves Studio might seem like fun and games.

But parents who have enrolled their children in the eight-week creative dance class have much bigger expectations.

"It's pretty interesting - it's more than just dance," said Paulette Frisina, 32, of Olympia, who attends the class with her 18-month-old daughter, Tekla. "This is helping with their neurological and physical development and socialization."

The class is based on teachings at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, which pioneered a concept called "BrainDance," according to instructor Julie Alessio.

Designed for children up to age 2 1/2 , it's one of the only dance classes in the South Sound that is designed for children as young as simply "walking." Most local dance studios offer programs for children ages 2 or 3 and older.

During the hour-long class, parents and toddlers follow a specific lesson plan that incorporates a variety of music, props and rhythm instruments with dance and movement.

Parents don't sit on the sidelines - they lead their children through all of the activities. "They're (the toddlers) just starting to learn through observation and gentle movement by their parents," Alessio said.

Parents were given an outline that breaks down the science behind each of the activities that are done in the class.

For example, when the children are acting out "Humpty Dumpty," they're working on their vestibular, or balance, systems. And when they're holding hands and dancing through the room like a giant snake, they're practicing their locomotor skills, according to Alessio.

Parents said the class is much different from other activities that are available for tiny tots, such as play groups.

"I believe in the curriculum a lot," said Suzanne Parenteau, 44, of Olympia, who attends the class with her 19-month-old son, Sebastian Shacteau. "It's good for babies' brains, and they learn through their bodies and through play."