Let's Dance: nMotion and Financial One Credit Union Help Fridley Elementaries

Two local businesses are helping bring dance to Fridley's Hayes and Stevenson elementary schools, according to a recent news release:

The nMotion Dance Center received a $2,000 grant from Financial [One] Credit Union to fund dance classes for children. nMotion chose to implement a dance program through the City of Fridley, called Let’s Dance. Let’s Dance gives many children who would otherwise not be able to afford it, the opportunity to take dance classes from accredited professionals. It is open to all children attending Hayes or Stevenson elementary. 

Sarah Barnett, director of the nMotion Dance Center, will teach weekly classes for a full school year. “My goal is to give children a solid introduction to the art of dance that promotes positive self-esteem, physical fitness, and an appreciation for the fine arts”, Barnett  said.

The funds also will cover several dance classes at The Zone which serves Fridley children in grades 5–8.

Previn Solberg, Financial One Credit Union’s president and CEO says, “We were glad nMotion Dance Center asked us to be a part of offering dance lessons and we’re pleased to support the arts locally.”

Ross Bloomquist, executive vice president of Financial One Credit Union says, “These funds provide a venue to improve physical fitness, build self-confidence and create a sense of accomplishment.  Investing resources in programs like this is exactly what Financial One’s community outreach mission is all about.”

Margo Prasek, Program Supervisor at the City of Fridley said, “The Fridley Parks & Recreation Department is very excited to be able to offer the Let’s Dance program as part of the elementary after-school offerings.  We strive to provide a wide variety of fun and educational activities for children to participate in that keep them active and engaged; the dance program is a perfect fit!  We are so thankful for the support of Financial One and are thrilled that this program can be available at no cost”. Children may enroll in this free class through the City of Fridley. You can find more information on their website, under elementary after-school activities: www.ci.fridley.mn.us

About the The nMotion Dance Center:
The nMotion Dance Center offers a cutting edge, quality dance education in a non-competitive class environment. Their director, Sarah Barnett, has used her lifetime of dance experience and higher education to develop an intense certified training program that all staff members must complete before teaching. This training program ensures educationally sound techniques are provided to students with sequenced age-appropriate physical and social development. They teach traditional and contemporary forms of dance and welcome beginners as well as advanced dancers of all ages.

Sarah Barnett, Director, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota as well as numerous dance program certifications, most recently being dance master from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM).  She has been educating youth (ages 3–18) in dance for eighteen years.

About Financial One Credit Union:
Financial One Credit Union provides checking, savings, loan and mortgage services to the communities of Anoka County, Northeast Minneapolis, and the City of Champlin. As a not-for-profit cooperative, their focus is not to generate as much profit as possible, rather to help their members succeed financially and be actively involved in the community.  They have grown with their communities and feel it is important to support programs which are typically underfunded, like the arts. 

They have been recognized for their innovation and services in various syndications including The Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal.

In addition to sponsoring the free dance lessons in Fridley, they now display art from four local artists in all three of their offices in Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids and Blaine. They also sponsor other programs in the community including; youth athletics, college scholarships, Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, The Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health, Fight Hunger in Minnesota campaign, Free2B. They won the Excellence in Business Award in 2011 from the Metro North Chamber of Commerce.