From bollywood to tap dance to belly dance to break dance, the Jasper Dance Program is starting up again this year and registration is on Sept. 9. Monday, Sept. 14 is when it all starts on the dance floor, with dance sessions for every age from two and a half to adult.

Going into her tenth year of dance instruction in January, Jasperite Nicole Koebel is bringing the same classic dance lessons, with a few new programs for those looking to spice things up.

New afro-funk, bollywood and social dance/ballroom dance classes are going to be available for adults this year, as well as two break dancing classes for senior boys only.

For younger kids in Grades 6 to 8, a new lyrical ballet class is available, and for the really tiny dancers, the two and a half to three and a half year olds now have a full-length session, compared to half-length’s like last year.

Koebel is expecting a good turnout this year, after having over 100 students last year and a successful touring performance group. She said she gets some very big classes, such as the popular belly dance class, and some of her workout classes, which the new bollywood class will fall under.

“It’s based on Indian dance, it’s lots of fun, very lively, high energy, it’s different movements, lots of hand, intricate hand movements,” she says of the new class for adults.

The performance group is a group of 10-20 dancers that will travel around Alberta and BC, competing in festivals and competitions, usually with students aged between 13 and 18, although a junior performance group will also be put together for performances in the community.

Koebel, who started teaching dance classes when she was 15 in Jasper, before she went away to school, says dancing is a great way to get kids involved in physical activities, and is not only ideal for those not into the typical winter sports, but also in addition to those involved in other sports.

“It will help you with any of your sports, because of the coordination, and the strengthening and increased flexibility. It will help you with any sport,” she says, bringing up the break dancing classes – one co-ed, and the two new boys-only classes. “Once you take one of those classes you’ll see just how fit you have to be!”

For more information on what classes are available and for a schedule, stop by the Activity Centre or email Koebel at nkoebel@telusplanet.net. To register, just show up to the first class of your choice. Classes start the week of Sept. 14.