Kids dance ‘Just for Kix’

Ken Johnston
Editor

It’s an activity with a real kick!
Just For Kix dance classes in Baudette, currently has 72 kids from both sides of the border learning and having fun at the same time.
There are five age groups: Tiny Kix (preschool), Wee Petites (K-grade 1), Wee Kix (gr. 2-3), Mini Kix (gr. 4-6) and Middle Kix (gr. 7-9). The Tiny Kix learn basic dance moves and simple dance routines.The focus is on ballet and jazz moves/steps but the overall style of dance the Kixsters learn is referred to as Precision. “We want the entire group to look and move as one,” said Instructor Amy Potts. The complexity of the moves elevates as the kids move up through the age levels until they reach Middle Kix where they then begin competing.
Amy Potts has been with the local program since 1999. She serves as both the Director and Instructor for it. In addition to the Precision Dance moves, Potts said, “We also work on self esteem, team building and cooperation with the kids.”
She says that it really shows in the kids that have been in the program for several years, especially when they participate in other activities that involve them having to perform in front of large crowds.
To keep the program fresh each year the instructors receive training sessions in Brainerd, Minnesota. Brainerd is the birthplace of Just for Kix which was founded by Cindy Clough in 1981. Potts said it came to the Baudette area around 1996 or 1997. Clough’s motto for the program is, “Doing your best is more important than being the best!”
In the past three years since Potts took over she said that the club has done its best and has been the best. “We have never finished out of the top three at competitions.”
In addition to competing at the Middle Kix level, all the club members get to participate in performances around the area. Most recently they appeared at half time of a Lake of the Woods Bears football game. They have also performed at the Rainy River Lions Club Winter Carnival.
Potts said they are currently working towards holding a Christmas show on December 19th at LoW School. After that competitions will begin and and then practise for a spring show will take place.
Practises take place every Tuesday with the Tiny Kix getting 1/2 hour of instruction, the Wee Petites 45 mins. and the rest an hour.