Manhattan’s Toddlers Can Now Go Gaga for Gaga

By Kara Faulk December 28, 2012

The Gaga Center, Manhattan's only location dedicated to the game of gaga, has added Tot Gaga, a class where toddlers can learn to play gaga, to its schedule of gaga classes for kids. The Upper East Side location also offers party packages for a gaga filled birthday.

Early childhood concepts such as
numbers, colors, and shapes are
combined with the instruction
of gaga skills to prepare tots
for future play.

The Gaga Center is adding fun for tots, launching the city’s first Tot Gaga program for 2- to 4-year-olds in January. This Upper East Side location is the only place in Manhattan to play gaga, a fast-paced, high-energy game that takes place in an octagonal pit with a soft foam ball. The Gaga Center houses three permanent pits and a sound system that provide the perfect energy for the addictive gaga games.

“Younger kids—siblings—they always want to get in the pit. It’s such an inviting atmosphere. It’s colorful and fun, so we decided to adjust the games and activities to make it appropriate for that age group,” says Alissa Schmelkin, co-founder of The Gaga Center. Sports, music, and movement will be combined with the instruction of pre-gaga skills that will introduce early childhood concepts including shapes, numbers, colors, hand-eye coordination, jumping, and stretching to prepare kids for future gaga game-playing days.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays from Jan. 29-March 12 and Wednesdays from Jan. 30-March 13, and parents will have multiple sessions to choose from. Children must turn 3 by April 30 in order to participate. In addition to the games and instruction, The Gaga Center offers party packages.