YMCA programs enrich lives of the young

Tatum Hickey won't turn 3 until early November and she has a little trouble deciding how many fingers to hold up when asked her age.

But ask her about her Fairy Princess Ballet class and the 25-pound toddler raises her hands above her head, poises herself on tiptoes and pirouettes in her new tutu, a smile brightening her face at her accomplishment.

That sense of triumph in children 6 and younger is what the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA's Enrichment programs is after with their classes, which include computer education, Spanish and gymnastics.

The Fairy Princess Ballet class is an example of the enthusiastic reception for these efforts - from parents and children.

"Its perfect for young children - the ballet classes are only a half hour and the kids love to go there," said Tracey Hickey, mother of Tatum and four older children. "Rather than commit to a whole year at a dance school, you can let them try different classes and see if they're really interested."

Instructor Leslie Swanson, who also teaches the Y's "Let's Try Gymnastics" for ages 2-5, "Ballet and Tap Combo" class for ages 3-5 and "Jazz and Hip Hop" for ages 4-6, said seeing the look of achievement on her young charges' faces is fulfilling.

"Its great for me as a teacher to see them respond with that sense of pride - to be so excited that they did a successful twirl," said Swanson, who also teaches advanced students at Victoria's Dance Depot.

Los Ninos Spanish School for Children is available for ages 3-5 at the YMCA's Montessori Preschool, 1241 E. Chandler Blvd., from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Children learn the language basics through songs and games. An elementary school level class is held at the YMCA on Wednesdays for ages 5-11.

Teacher and Ahwatukee resident Janet Collins, who holds a master's degree in Spanish, said younger students are quick learners, picking up basic words and simple conversational phrases easily.

"They're incredibly receptive to a second language, they learn very quickly," she said. "It also reinforces their learning of the primary language."

Kids interested in doing more on the computer can try Gigglebytes, a low ratio class for ages 2-5. The half-hour lessons are held at the Y Preschool, as are the Happy Notes music class and Jump Bunch, which introduces preschool children to a variety of sports.

New classes at the YMCA's Montessori Preschool site begin Nov. 1, but early registration is accepted.

For more information on the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA Enrichment Classes or to register, visit www.Ahwatukeeymca.org.

Leslie Swanson leads a Fairy Princess Ballet class with Abbey Alia, Maili Negretti and four other 2-year-olds at the Ahwatukee YMCA.