43
Library adds dance lessons to programs
Photo
Julie Macomber , a volunteer at Hubbard Public Library, leads a dance lesson on the Cupid Shuffle line dance. In step are, from left, Chelsea Murphy, 8, partially obscured; Celeste Wilbois, 11; and Gabriella Torok, 9, all of Hubbard. Another dance lesson is planned next week.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
HUBBARD
Julie Macomber, a volunteer at Hubbard Public Library, likes to “dance for fun.”
She shared that feeling during a Cupid Shuffle dance lesson Tuesday at the library, 436 W. Liberty St.
The Cupid Shuffle is a party dance usually done at weddings and parties, Macomber said.
“It’s really popular,” she said of the line dance.
Macomber, of Boardman, a library and information science major at Kent State University, said she got involved in the library after learning from a friend about the need for volunteers.
She spoke with Sherry Ault, director, and is volunteering and presenting a few programs.
This week, a small group of girls learned the Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Charleston and Cuban Shuffle. Macomber tied the dance lesson to an array of books on the topic. Selections included “Degas the Dance,” “Dancing Games," “Dancing Matilda,” Felicity’s Dancing Shoes,” “Bugtown Boogie” and “Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Music and Dance.”
The dance lesson is one way, Macomber said, to attract interest then offer young people reading material on the topic.
With directions such as “step, kick, step, tap, swivel, swivel,” Macomber took her students through steps for the Cupid Shuffle.
Gabriella Torok, 9, said she has “been dancing my entire life” and she “loves to dance.” She wanted to learn the Cupid Shuffle and “the moves.”
Gabriella said she would return for another lesson. She also said she was interesting in reading books on the dance topic.
Celeste Wilbois, 11, also said dancing is high on her priority list. “I like to try new things and learn new things,” she said. She also would return for another lesson.
“I’ve been dancing since I was 2,” said Chelsea Murphy, 8. Though she said she knew the Cupid Shuffle steps, she liked going over them. “I like to learn new things,” she said.
Macomber said another dance class will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, and an arts program at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 10. The arts event will include making a vision board and an arts-related book talk.
“These programs offer the literary aspect combined with physical activity,” Macomber said.
The hourlong sessions help the young participants “learn about rhythm” and “get a sense of tempo and beat.”
Macomber said knowing the dances is a plus at family gatherings including weddings.
The children don’t have to watch from the sidelines; they can join in the fun on the dance floor, she said. That’s a plus, she said, because it also benefits their social skills.
For more information on programs, visit the library website at www.hubbard.lib.oh.us. or call 330-534-3512.