While some send their children to nature camps for the summer, others send their children to dance camp. Beyond The Pointe Dance (BTPD), a modern/ballet dance company in Indianapolis, is hosting their summer camp July 13-17 and July 20-24.
The camp includes modern, jazz, hip-hop and ballet instruction Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
“Especially if they’re involved in dance throughout the year—a lot of them are—it allows for them to get quickly back into shape because it’s a very rigorous schedule,” said Nicole Hargro, owner and artistic director of BTPD.
During the day, participants ages 5-18 will begin with a stretch, then split into groups based on age and type of dance. However, they learn more than just dance techniques.
“There’s also arts and crafts that are involved,” Nicole said. “This year for the arts and crafts they’re going to make their own athletic bag or dance bag, depending on if it’s a girl or a boy.”
The camp also participates in outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming. Although the camp keeps dancers active, the camp has other benefits as well.
Phillip Hargro, her son and also a member of BTPD, will not participate in the camp this year although he has in previous years.
“I got a chance to learn more ballet, more modern, and the chance to showcase myself more in front of crowds,” he said. “That just boosted my confidence. It just made me a better person and it made me a better communicator with different people.”
At the end of the summer camp, BTPD puts on a summer showcase for parents and friends.
Nicole’s daughter, Gabriella Hargro, has been a member of BTPD for five years, but this is her first year participating in the camp and performing in this showcase.
“My favorite part for getting ready for the summer showcase is practicing,” Gabriella, 9, said. “When you practice, you can work hard and be very, very good on the dances. You don’t want to be whining and saying you can’t do it, because you can.”
The showcase, “The Summer Festival of Dance” is July 24 and will showcase the choreography the dancers have learned and the art they worked on.
“Every year I just want to continue to have the arts in Indianapolis,” said Nicole. “The arts are somewhat dwindling away in Indiana period. And obviously there needs to be a face of African-American dance and performing arts, period.”
For more information, visit Beyondthepointedance.com.
