By: Amanda Thompson

Mothers are constantly searching for activities that are both fun and educational for our children, so I was thrilled to discover Melinda Fornero’s “Mama Watch Me Dance” YouTube channel. 

Melinda, the founder of Music N’ Motion, has spent over two decades transforming early childhood dance education. Her programs have been a staple in many Southern California schools, and now, through her YouTube channel, she’s bringing the magic of dance right into our living rooms.

The “Mama Watch Me Dance” YouTube channel is a game-changer for busy moms. It offers a variety of dance classes for children ages 2 to 5, designed in a “mommy and me” style that allows us to join in the fun. These classes are perfect for fostering a love for dance in our little ones while also providing an excellent bonding experience.

Melinda’s story is one of passion and perseverance. She began her dance journey at 14, much later than most, but her determination led her to create Music N’ Motion in 2000. 

Her curriculum is aligned with California Physical Education Standards and the Santa Monica Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) curriculum, ensuring that her programs are not only fun but also educational.

Melinda’s curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to engage young minds and bodies, promoting learning, creativity, and self-expression. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Warm-Up Fun

Melinda’s warm-up exercises are a delight. My kids particularly love:

• Stinky Toes: Point and flex exercises that stretch feet, ankles, and toes.
• Chop Your Mountains: Leg stretches that are both fun and effective.
• Hot Lava: Upper body side stretches that my kids enjoy pretending are real lava!

Structured Dance Classes

The dance classes are structured to introduce basic dance techniques in a playful and engaging way:

• Week 1: 1st & 2nd Position Arms, 1st Position Feet, Relevé, and Ballet Run.
• Week 2: Tendu, Spring Points, and Chassé.
• Week 3: Footwork, Échappé, and Chassé with Footwork.
• Week 4: Parallel Jumps, Marching, and Curtsy/Bow.

Building Towards a Performance

One of the exciting parts of Melinda’s program is the “Mama Watch Me Dance” routine. Over several weeks, children learn a choreographed dance that they can proudly perform for family and friends. The joy and sense of accomplishment my children feel when they complete the dance is truly heartwarming.

Another unique aspect of Melinda’s program is “Hooping for Health.” My kids love learning technical moves and tricks with the hula hoop, which combines rhythm and expressive movement. It’s a fantastic way for them to stay active and have fun.

The impact of Melinda’s programs is evident in the joy and excitement of the children. Here are a few testimonials from young dancers and their families:

“I like to do dance with Miss Melinda and to do free dance. Miss Melinda loves me and makes me proud.”

• Emily, Age 5

“William immediately started mirroring you and tried to sit like you. He loved blowing on his legs to make them lay flat, and his favorite was making rainbows. He was giggling and excited and making silly faces. A definite success!”

• Debra, William’s Nanny (William, Age 3.5)

“I like when you get to dance and stuff. Putting on hats is weird and funny!”

• Gavin, Age 3

Why This Matters

As a mother, I appreciate programs that not only entertain but also educate and inspire my children. Melinda’s approach to dance is holistic, focusing on physical, emotional, and cognitive development. The “Mama Watch Me Dance” channel provides an accessible way for us to integrate these benefits into our daily lives, fostering a love for dance and movement in a fun and engaging way.

Melinda’s dedication to dance education extends beyond her YouTube channel. She is actively working to expand her in-school programs, particularly within Southern California school districts. Her goal is to bring the transformative power of dance to even more children, fostering creativity and confidence in her local community.

Inspiring Passion and Perseverance

Melinda says, “Success isn’t just about mastering dance moves; it was about embracing the liberating and inner joy that dance brought into my life.”

Studying modern dance introduced Melinda to the powerful vehicle that is dance—a place where one can escape and connect with her feelings. While ballet is more formal and structured, Melinda aims to provide children a taste of both worlds, incorporating elements of comedy, games and challenging thought.

Melinda’s journey and her unwavering commitment to dance education are incredibly inspiring. She continues to innovate and expand her reach, proving that passion and perseverance can lead to incredible achievements. 

Discovering Melinda Fornero’s “Mama Watch Me Dance” YouTube channel has been a delightful addition to our family routine. Her engaging and educational dance programs have brought joy and movement into our home, creating wonderful bonding moments and fostering a love for dance in my children. For mothers looking for a fun and enriching activity for their little ones, I highly recommend checking out Melinda’s programs.

For more information about the “Mama Watch Me Dance” YouTube channel and to join the 6-week Virtual Family Dance Challenge, please visit www.mamawatchmedance.com.

Published By: Aize Perez