On a chilly September afternoon in northern Montana, as sprinkles of rain fall from the sky, most people in the small town of Yaak are snuggled in their homes, but not the nine young ladies of Turning Winds Academic Institute who were out in the (light) rain "busting their moves" on the basketball court. "We are not going to let a little rain stop us now! Are we ladies?" said the dance instructor, Melanie Schreiner. “Of course not,” they all cheered!
Thus started the first girl’s dance class at Turning Winds Academic Institute. Over the course of the last two months, Turning Winds Academic Institute has begun to implement an exciting dance course for the young ladies enrolled in the program. At this time the class meets once a month for two and a half hours. Instructed by Melanie Schreiner, who is also the Office Manager at the Corporate Office of Turning Winds Academic Institute, students are led through a series of conditioning and stretching exercises to warm up and prepare to dance. Throughout the class the students will be exploring the genres of jazz, contemporary, and hip hop dance as well as studying the art of choreography.
“The journey between who you once were, and who you are now becoming,
is where the dance of life really takes place.”
~Barbara De Angelis
"To be given this opportunity to share a true passion in my life is an incredible honor and privilege. Throughout my entire life I have studied dance. In college I received a minor in dance education and spent many years as a dance instructor in Minnesota. When the opportunity was presented to me to share this love with the students of Turning Winds I was thrilled. Dance allows for an exploration through movement and expression without words. To push yourself to try something new...something you may not have ever done before. Success in that sets the stage for all that is to come. My only rule in my class is that the statement "I can't" is not allowed. It may be difficult for you right now...but you can do it. Much of learning to dance is a mental battle. If one remains open to the possibility of the unknown, the sky is the limit! Working with these young ladies and watching many of them "step out the box" and take chances whether it is doing a turn across the floor or leap is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. " ~Melanie Schreiner, Instructor
To learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn
to live by practicing living; the principles are the same."
~ Martha Graham
The program has just begun and already the outcomes are remarkable. Currently Turning Winds staff are working to implement a time during physical conditioning for student led choreography and practice in addition to the formal class offered. One goal is for the students to prepare a performance for the staff and students. This opportunity is offered to the young ladies as a choice to participate in while at Turning Winds Academic Institute. The girls are learning about dance, and that if they learn to make the most of whatever life hands them, they can turn life’s little challenges, such as a rainy day, into an opportunity for positive growth. When the sky is the limit the opportunities are endless!
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass;
it’s about learning to dance in the rain."
~ Author Unknown
