Children from preschool through sixth grade are invited to discover the beauty of movement in Just for Kix, a new dance class that will be held in Huron starting this fall.
“Dance is really good for kids,” said Samantha Wipf, program director. “Research shows it helps with social skills and academics. It’s a social outlet and artistic opportunity.”
Wipf, who grew up in Sioux Falls, took Just for Kix classes that were offered there from first through ninth grade, when she joined her high school dance team.
“I have always loved to dance, Wipf said. “It’s always been my passion. I love being able to have that artistic outlet, and it’s a fun way to get exercise, too.”
Wipf, who also teaches fourth grade at the Washington 4-5 Center, said she began thinking of starting a dance course for children when her daughter, Mamie, was born last year.
“When I had my daughter I was thinking it would be fun to do dance with her,” she said. “I started looking at different opportunities and decided on Just for Kix, instead of starting on my own, just because they offer so much support.”

This first year Wipf said she plans to offer a full season for children ages 3 through sixth grade.
“We’re starting with the younger ones and hoping to grow up with these kids,” Wipf said. “In the future I hope to add a full middle school and high school class.”
All classes will be held at the Washington 4-5 Center gymnasium.
Classes for 3- and 4-year-olds are planned from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on both Mondays and Thursdays, beginning Thursday, Sept. 7. Second- and third- graders will have class each Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m., also beginning Sept. 7.
On Mondays, a class for kindergarten to first-graders will be offered from 6:15 to 7 p.m., with fourth- through sixth-grade students from 7 to 8 p.m.
“I’m also going to do a short six-week session in the fall and spring for 2- and 3-year-olds, just because it gets so long for little guys,” Wipf said. “I want to get them exposed to dance and excited about it.”
Just for Kix offers kick dancing, jazz, ballet, tap dancing, high-energy hip-hop, contemporary and lyrical, which is a blend of ballet, jazz and contemporary.
The dance company is headquartered in Minnesota, and designs and makes all of the outfits and provides all the choreography for the routines to directors.
“I thought Just for Kix would be a good fit for our community,” Wipf said. “I appreciate their values, and they have very age- appropriate costumes and routines.”
The core values of Just for Kix are integrity, quality, service, balance, enthusiasm, teamwork, praise and leadership.
For more information contact Wipf at (605) 254-8266. You can also register online at www.justforkix.com.