Rotorua children 'getting jiggle with it'

Children take part in Jiggle Jam at the Linton Park Community Centre (from left) Mairiki Marsters, 1, Charlotte Campbell, 4, and Ryder Moke, 4. Photo / Ben Fraser

A new fitness and dance craze has hit Rotorua that aims to motivate children and activate young brains.

Jiggle Jam is a fusion of dance and fitness disciplines along with cultural interpretations that is similar to aerobics.

Developed by world aerobic champion Brett Fairweather, Jiggle Jam classes are now happening in Rotorua every Friday at the Linton Park Community Centre for children under 6.

As a lead-in to Jump Jam, which is taught at primary and intermediate levels, Jiggle Jam introduces children to things such as timing, rhythm, counting, cross crawling patterns, co-ordination, fine and gross motor skills, Maori language and cultural movements.

Rotorua instructor Katrina van der Gulik, who runs Rotorua HomeBased Childcare, said the programme was designed for those aged 3 to 6 but they were finding younger children and babies were enjoying coming along and taking part also.

Mrs van der Gulik said she brought the activity to Rotorua because she wanted to provide something that encouraged movement among youngsters.

"Movement activates those young brains. I don't know of any other aerobic type session specific to preschoolers in Rotorua. There is gymnastics and music classes, but not aerobic, and we are finding that it captures the engagement of children that may not be interested in gym or music.

"The songs are well known and the children really enjoy it."

She said she had opened the classes to the public.

"The more access children have to movement and fitness the better."

Classes are run during term time from 10am to 11am. Parents and educators can go free for the first session, then it's $3 per child including morning tea.