Fall classes offer more than fun

As Brandon’s streets prepare for the first crisp air of the season and families adjust to the back-to-school rhythm next month, another fall tradition is quietly taking shape: the return of community classes.

Next month, dance studios, dojos, and art classrooms will once again buzz with energy as children and adults alike step into spaces designed not just for learning new skills, but for nurturing mind, body, and spirit.

For local instructors, the benefits of these programs run far deeper than simply filling up a weekly schedule. They see dance, karate, art, and other fall classes as powerful tools for building resilience, discipline, and self-expression — qualities that can last a lifetime.

Dance is an art form that keeps the heart healthy, the mind sharp, and the spirit light, Steppin’ Time Dance Studio owner Monique Roy-Keller told the Sun.

“Dance in your life adds so many benefits to your physical health,” she said. “In children, you see motor skills and balance develop. High-energy styles like hip hop or jazz even improve heart and lung health.”

She explained adults see similar gains: better strength, posture, and mobility, adding dance’s impact doesn’t stop at the body. Learning choreography builds attention and memory, performing in front of an audience boosts self-confidence, and improvisation opens the door to creative freedom, she added.

“In our classes, we encourage creativity and self-expression,” Roy-Keller said. “We make dance class a safe place to express your feelings and emotions. When students improvise, they not only explore their skills but often inspire others, including the instructors.”

The joy of dance, she added, is that it’s truly for everyone. “Beginners and experienced dancers can find a class that fits. Even if you feel unco-ordinated, we can help you feel safe and comfortable learning something new.”

At Westman New World Shotokan, the sound of bare feet sliding on dojo floors and the sharp snap of a perfectly timed punch signal more than just physical training, instructor Scott Flannigan told the Sun.

The instructor, who has taught karate for over four decades, explained that the art offers a balanced path to strength, confidence and mental clarity.

“Karate delivers a holistic set of advantages,” Flannigan said. “Physically, it improves strength, flexibility, co-ordination, and cardiovascular health. Mentally, it builds focus, self-control, and resilience.”

Karate’s traditional structure instills discipline from the very first bow. Students learn to line up respectfully, follow a hierarchy, and honour centuries-old rituals. “These routines teach students that respect and order matter,” he said.

Confidence, too, grows steadily through training, he said, and as students progress from basic stances to advanced techniques, they gain both the ability and the awareness to defend themselves, along with the calm assurance that they can handle challenges beyond the dojo.

“Progress milestones, like advancing in rank, give students tangible goals,” Flannigan said. “Each achievement reinforces self-belief and personal pride.”

Classes, he said, are adapted for every stage of life. While young children get engaging, age-appropriate drills that mix fun with focus, teens tackle more advanced combinations and sparring, and seniors train with an emphasis on balance, flexibility and safe movement. “We meet students where they are,” Flannigan said. “Everyone can grow in fitness and focus — regardless of age or experience.”

While dance and karate bring movement to the forefront, art offers a quieter, but equally powerful, form of transformation.

The classroom becomes a sanctuary where students can explore, create, and heal, artist Opeyemi Olakotun told the Sun.

“Engaging in art classes can improve overall mental health for all ages,” he said. “When people create art, they often enter a state of focus that quiets anxious thoughts and reduces stress.”

According to him, art also sharpens problem-solving skills. Choosing colours, adjusting compositions, or experimenting with materials forces the brain to think creatively and adapt to unexpected outcomes, he said.

“Every stage of creating involves decision-making. That process builds adaptability and critical thinking,” he added.

“Beyond skills, art teaches patience and discipline. Projects require sustained attention and the willingness to refine details over time. The habits learned in art — focus, persistence, and resilience — often carry over into other areas of life.”

For many students, art is also a confidence booster. Olakotun recalls one timid student who began speaking more openly after completing a series of paintings. “They were so proud of their work,” she said. “The art classroom became a safe space for them to take creative risks and discover their voice.”

While each discipline has its unique benefits, Roy-Keller, Flannigan, and Olakotun agree on one thing: these fall classes are about much more than the activity itself. They are about building healthier bodies, sharper minds, and stronger communities.

“Every time a student pushes past fear, whether it’s stepping on stage, sparring in class, or showing a painting, they’re growing,” Roy-Keller said.

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