“Things are never quite as scary when you have a best friend.” – Bill Watterson

It’s true. Good friends are irreplaceable. Having someone to love, support and get you through the tough times just makes life easier. Same is true for both children and adults.

For children, making new friends comes much more easily when surrounded by other children who have a similar interest. At Kick Dance Studios, students certainly have one thing in common — DANCE! The friendships made during classes and performances are often lifelong ones, and the bonds created make for strong and fluid performances.

“Team Kick provides dancers with the same team experiences that sports teams get — friendships, commitment, dedication, perseverance, and confidence,” said Vanessa Berry, Kick Dance Studios owner and instructor.

According to DanceTeachers.org, the number of children taking part in dance is increasing yearly. More children are enjoying its benefits, including increased self-esteem, confidence, activity levels, social and learning skills. The bonds that are made by engaging in an activity like dance can last a lifetime. Having friends is a vital part of growing up.

“Friendships are critical to helping children improve their communication, sharing, empathy, problem-solving, and creativity,” said Rachelle Theise, a clinical assistant professor and child psychologist at New York University, in a blog for Parents.com.

Nervous kids blossom, quiet kids find their voice, and shy kids come out of their shell at Kick Dance. As friendships grow, the way the students perform follows. Students learn how to dance together almost seamlessly, making for flawless and gorgeous performances.

The bond Kick Dance students have is evident in the long list of accomplishments and awards the teams have received. This summer, Kick dancer Claire Ciardiello attended the prestigious Broadway Center Junior Training Program, as well as three students, Christina Alesio, Stella Demcsak, and Sarah Landy, attended the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Program in New York City.

Students from Kick also danced their way into the national finals at the Backstage Performing Arts Competition at Hershey Park, Pennsylvania and came away with a first overall award, not to mention a handful of other wins.

It’s clear from these stellar accomplishments that the students are making a name for themselves across the region, and it’s no doubt in part to the rhythm the teams developed since becoming fast friends.

And the students continue to shine, dancing their way to performing in the well-known kids show KIDZ BOP KIDS, based off the albums of the same name featuring contemporary popular songs performed by kids. Kick Dance Studio dancers were selected as the opening act for the show. The KIDZ BOP KIDS performance will be held at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2015. Get tickets here.

“Kick Dance was chosen to open the show because of their enthusiasm,” said Alyssa Snyder, Marketing and PR Coordinator for KIDZ BOP. “Their family-friendly dance routines are very in line with the KIDZ BOP brand. Kick Dance’s routines are high-energy and will motivate the crowd for the KIDZ BOP Kids!”

“I think the teamwork among these kids shows on stage and is a big reason they were selected,” said Vanessa.  “It is a wonderful experience to open for a professional show, and they could not be happier than when they perform together.”

From now until October 17, Kick Dance Studios is offering a friendship special! Bring a friend to a Try-It Class and be entered to win an Apple Watch Sport. Enroll in a class with a friend and you each receive a $50 class credit (New students only, cannot be enrolled in the past 12 months). For a list of Kick Dance Studio class, click here.