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By Daniel Curtin
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Kids, parents and librarians were showing off dance moves at the Needham Library on Tuesday, August 7. With arms flailing, bodies wiggling, and faces smiling, for a brief moment, the Needham Library could have been mistaken for a dance studio.
Brett Outchcunis, who encouraged his kiddie participants to refer to him as “Ooch,” led the participants as he showed them different hip-hop, party and step dance moves. The event gave participants a chance to find their groove in the community room of the library. Kids learned different dance moves, like the “wobble,” as they let loose and had fun.
Part of Outchcunis’ stated goal is to help kids feel comfortable dancing, and not be embarrassed about having fun and being silly.
“It’s totally okay to dance any time you want,” Ooch let everybody know as music from Bruno Mars reverberated through the library.
Outchcunis knows that it can often be a little embarrassing getting up to dance, and that it can make some people feel self-conscious - so he let the kids go at their own pace to help them find their own unique dancing swagger.
When the kids had tired themselves out and were taking a quick breather from dancing, Outchcunis showed them yo-yo tricks; in addition to being an expert dancer, he has spent several years as a touring yo-yo professional. He also spends time, during the school year, visiting different schools in the New England area to speak about making safe decisions and working hard in school.
“Dancing is not that hard,” Ooch reminded the kids as he found his own groove, “if you’re just willing to find the beat and move.”
The library often hosts different musical and educational events for children. More information about these events can be found at http://www.needhamma.gov/index.aspx?NID=3035.
