Our 2024 Dance camp was a great success. Stay tuned for similar programs being offered again soon!

FAQ

This is really free?

Yes, this program is being funded by a grant administered by the state of NJ via Caring Partners, Sussex & Morris County’s designated CMO organization.

Where will this take place?

On the campus of Garden Grove Preschool in Sparta, NJ, where the in-person office of Silver Lining Services is located.

Is this just for girls?

No! Camp is open to boys and girls.

Is camp 2 days a week? Or just one?

One day per week. Our plan is to split the children up into 2 groups by age, one group to meet on Tuesdays, one to meet on Thursdays. Once we know our enrollment numbers and demographics, you will be informed which day your child is signed up for.

Is this therapy?

No. While camp is run by 2 mental health professionals, it is dance/movement education-centered. Dance as a form of creative expression has naturally therapeutic properties. Read below for more information.

What does dance have to do with therapy?

According to her research, Brene Brown states:

“laughing, singing, and dancing have numerous benefits. First, these activities can lead to elation: the enjoyment that comes from expressing yourself freely. If you’ve ever laughed until you’ve cried, belted out a song you love, or danced your heart out, you’ll know this feeling well. Chasing the feeling of elation helps to bolster your courage. It’s brave to stop caring what other people think, express yourself freely, and dance like no one’s watching.

Second, singing and dancing can help you to express and manage your feelings. Finding a song that matches your mood and singing or dancing along may soothe you. It will also remind you that you’re not alone: that other people have experienced the emotions that you’re struggling with, not least the person who wrote the song. You may feel a sense of connection with the artist, and feel compassion for them. 

Finally, laughing, singing, and dancing with another person creates a shared emotional experience that strengthens your connection. For example, if you and a friend are singing along to a sad song because you’ve both been through a breakup, you’ll share your heartbreak and feel closer because of it. You’ll also feel true compassion for each other, because you’ll each understand exactly what the other person is going through.”

Additionally, according to Drs. Emily & Amelia Nogoski’s research on the importance for humans of all ages to “complete the stress cycle,” to provide relief and effectively cope, individuals have to do something to signal to one’s body that they are safe in order to stop the body’s physical reaction to stress or negative emotions. According to their research, dance is the most efficient way to complete the stress cycle, as it meets 2 of the criteria (movement & creative expression) for effective ways to end the stress cycle. Creative expression hast the power to remove negative feelings by bringing outside of one’s self, and physical activity does the same.

Dance Camp Staff

  • Allison McCurry, LCSW

    Lead Facilitator

    Allison McCurry comes to the SLS Dance Camp with a lengthy resume of dance performance and instruction. She began dance at the age of 5 years old and learned various styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater. On stage, Allison is an accomplished dancer and choreographer and a stand out at regional and national dance competitions. She competed for many years at competitions such as Starbound and True Talent where she routinely obtained High Scores in her categories of dance. Allison was a dance instructor and choreographer for Trinity Studios in Sparta, NJ. She has choreographed dance routines for regional and national dance competitions that scored at the top of each category.

    In addition, Allison is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working for SLS since 2021 as both an IIC and private practice clinician where her primary areas of focus have been working with children with developmental disabilities, facilitating social skills lessons to encourage positive play-skills, and providing grief counseling. Allison is also a certified School Social Worker and has experience case-managing students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

  • Katy Szatkiewicz, LAC

    Assistant Facilitator

    My dance background is not that of a traditional professional dancer. When I was young my family did not have the means to put me into professional dance classes. However, I was able to embrace my passion through cheerleading and eventually participating in other styles when in undergraduate school for my college's dance club. Those four years in college I choreographed and danced every day. I have always dreamed of dance being part of my life, it just never landed me in studios with professional training.

    This opportunity to co-facilitate our dance camp is where I can share my love with others that might have had an opportunity to get professionally trained, but rather share their love of music and movement. Hearing music and moving your body can bring you to a place of such inner peace. I look forward to meeting the youth who want to embrace the side of them they may not always get to.

    I am also a school counselor and licensed associate counselor. I have been working for Silver Lining since 2021 as both an IIC private practice clinician, and have been employed as a school counselor since 2018. Prior to my counseling career I was an elementary school teacher.