At Melba’s School of Dance and Gymnastics we’re committed to helping your preschool children grow in their dance ability and love of dance. Our preschool program of combination classes (ballet, tap and gymnastics) gives children a dance foundation. This preschool program empowers children to discover their unique interest and style. In the process of learning to dance, children learn respect, courtesy, discipline, concentration, coordination, poise and sociability. These character qualities and skills are an important part of their preschool education and will serve them throughout their lifetimes.

The concept of a preschool program combination class is important because it develops basic motor skills such as balance, coordination and rhythm. For example, walking across a floor beam in the gym may help a child in tap to balance when doing a shuffle while standing on one foot. It is important that preschool children attend and participate in the total combination program for ultimate success in developing their dance abilities. Classes are held in a dance room and small gym designed specifically for preschoolers.
 
Starting with three-year-olds, our Preschool Education One classes introduce the fundamentals of dance as well as classroom structure. Children begin to learn basic ballet and tap skills, which lead into more advanced steps. In ballet, they learn to use their feet and arms through basic feet and arm positions. In tap, children learn basic skills that aid in rhythm and timing. In gymnastics, they develop basic motor functions to help with coordination and balance.

In addition to dance skills, children learn social responses by interacting with other children and are taught respect for their teacher. They learn to raise their hand, ask a question, stand in line, and to be courteous to one another. In a tradition that Melba Huber learned from her teacher, every class ends with a curtsy to the teacher.

In Preschool Education Two classes, students add on to the warm-up routines taught in the previous level and begin to execute new skills across the floor. The gymnastics program focuses on the development of skills necessary for recreational gymnastics. Children learn new elements on the floor, vault, beam and bars.
 
Preschool Education Three initiates the transition from preschool dance to developmental dance. Students begin learning classical ballet terminology and structure. Also, they learn tap steps and combinations that prepare them for rhythm tap dancing. In gymnastics, children learn advanced skills that require more core strength and flexibility. More advanced stretches are taught that help them in both dance and gymnastics. 

Our classes begin in mid-August and finish with a spring recital at the McAllen Civic Center on the second Saturday in May. The recital includes all the preschool classes and other classes through the third grade. The staff calls it "Pre to Three".

We look forward to being a part of your child’s preschool dance training.