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Movement Leads To Learning in Children

Our Adapted Gymnastic class looks like a lot of fun, but there is more going on than what the observer sees. Recently our Adapted Gymnastics...

Friday, September 28, 2012

Want Your Child To Understand Empathy?
NOTE: Recently, the following article was in a publication for dance teachers. We thought the information was work sharing the article with you as it was published.

Cultivating Empathy
The results are preliminary, but they’re a no-brainer to anyone involved in arts education. A study has found that “children that partake in music activity in a group setting are more prone to developing one of humankind’s noblest traits: empathy.”
The ramifications of this research are discussed in an article on San Francisco Classical Voice (sfcv.org) called “Is Music the New Social Media? ‘Empathy’ Entrainment.” The yearlong study at the University of Cambridge (UK) explored the effects of group music activities on 52 children ages 8 to 11, roughly half boys and half girls. They were divided into two groups, one of which was given group music-based games and the other activities that involved texts and drama only. The children in the music group scored higher on a test that measured empathy.
The experiments didn’t involve dance, but the correlation is obvious. The music activity stressed what lead researcher Tal-Chen Rabinowitch called “entrainment,” in which the children had to become “rhythmically attuned to one another” and “[i]mitation and the sharing of musical goals were also stressed.” Although the imitation games were largely improvisational, “[e]ach child playing a musical instrument had to attend to other children in the group.” Sounds like a dance class, doesn’t it? In effect, teachers are sowing the seeds of empathy.
If the study’s results prove significant and valid, the data will serve well those who argue for arts education. As Joe Landon, executive director of California Alliance for Arts Education, says in the article, “Quality arts programs have the potential to empower and engage students in ways that can promote learning across the board. Students who have a positive sense of themselves are more likely to embrace learning new things and find success in school.”
The article points out that the study raises the issue of individual versus group music education, since most music instruction “is geared toward private performance.” In dance, the opposite is true. So, dance teachers, take note: if group activities in which children are rhythmically attuned to one another promote empathy, your students will have it in spades.
Just one more reason why dance education matters. —Cheryl A. Ossola, Editor in Chief
                                                                                        Dance Studio Life

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Check Us Out On Face Book!
 
You will find us on Facebook ! Just look for us !
 
Academy of Fine Arts of Woodward
Woodward Academy of Music
Move-N-Learn Academy of Woodward
Enid Academy of Fine Arts
Center Stage Academy of Fine Arts of Owasso
 
 
 

Enid Academy of Fine Arts Soon To Open!
 
Academy of Fine Arts is expanding! Demands for our programs has increased and we are happy to bring them to Enid! Located at 800 W Broadway, Enid Academy of Fine Arts will offer great classes in dance, music lessons, tumbling and acrobatics, cheer and more. Coming in January is our private academic preschool - kindergarten half day classes!
 
Enid Academy of Fine Arts will feature five dance studios, five music studios, academic rooms, computer rooms for music theory and more. "It is like the building was just sitting and waiting for us to come to Enid", stated Director Mary Myers.  "The building had been vacant for many, many years and there have been several issuses we have had to take care of prior to opening. But what we have now is a great space with a start of the art performing and fine arts school. Everyone working on the facility has been blown away once they walk inside."
 
An October opening date is being planned. Final work on the floors and other situations continues this week. Be sure to watch for the announcement of our opening day and registration day!
 

Drum Lessons Now Offered!
 
Drum lessons are now being offered in our Woodward location! Boys and girls will love learning to play the drums under a qualified music educator. Class days and times are limited. Early registration is recommended. Ages 7 yrs and up.