But My Child Wasn't Learning And Wants To Do Something Else

It's that time of year again. Your child want's to go do what their new friend is doing, even though you have spent hours and money in classes already. What to do?

The first thing is to talk to your child's teacher or coach you have been taking classes with first. Before any decision  is made. They may have some great insights for you to share with your child.

Did you know that probably 90 % of the time when a child is allowed to quit classes, change classes or even change where they have been training, that child was at a point of achieving something great in class, and then it is over by one decision to let them quit or change. When making them stick it out could of made all of the difference.

Adults that have a hard time holding a job for a great deal of time or have difficulty in following through and completing projects , have shared that their parents allowed them to start and stop things at a whim or for what was the most popular at the time. They, as employees, find themselves disorganized, unfocused and unable to make great life changing decisions. Most will say that they wish their parents had held to their decision about lessons and made them continue.

There is great value in being consistent and persistent when it comes to training for your child. And though your child may whine and want to go with their friends, constantly changing  may actually devalue the training you have already acquired.

What helps a child to progress in classes? Consistency mostly. Constant training from one great source of information and background. Year after year training with the same source is the most beneficial. It allows the students to grow and develop in skills, mature and become comfortable and trusting not only in their own abilities, but also trusting in the source of the training.

Persistency is also important. Those that are taught to stick things out through to the end are the ones that will see themselves completing their college education and following their dreams. They have been taught that there is value in following through to the end, and little value in starting, stopping, starting, stopping and starting again.

The performing and fine arts training your child is involved in can make a great difference in their lives. It can teach them that when things are hard, you just push a little harder. When things are tough, you work a little tougher. When you fall down, you get up. And when you friends are going off and doing one thing and then the next, you stick it out for the long run, because you may not be an Olympic Gymnast or a Prima Ballerina, but sticking with the fine arts for years in succession in one solid training ground, just may help you to be a doctor, physiologist, school teacher, nurse, writer, artist or business owner. Just like some of our former students that stayed in classes through their senior year in high school.

Yes, there is value is sticking things out. There is also great value in continuing your training under the same teacher, coach or institution. There is great value in the fine arts.

 

 

NOW REGISTERING FOR THIS FUN MASTER CLASS IN AUGUST!

 

This is a great class for students in acrobatics, tumbling, gymnastics and dance!

Master Teachers will be teaching beginner to intermediate level skills depending on the age and level of the students.

 

5 yrs and up!

 

LIMITED ENROLLMENT!

The Value of Dance Classes by Rhiannon McGinnis Tuck

We have another guest BLOGGER today. Former student Rhiannon McGinnis Tuck shares with you what dance meant to her and how it has empowered her life as a public educator and parent of twin girls:

My name is Rhiannon McGinnis Tuck and I have been teaching Kindergarten for 11 years. I have always loved dance and I started dancing when I was just 2 years old and continued formally dancing until my freshman year of college. Dance has taught me so much in life and one thing that it has taught me is dedication. To be a dancer you have to be dedicated- to practice, stay healthy, stretch, etc. Through my dedication that I had towards dance I have learned to keep trying in all that I do. I know that practice makes permanent and I have carried this over into my classroom to teach my students. I have taught them to practice things that are taught and it will get easier. It has also helped me out being a mom and helping my girls. I have taught them and shown them to have dedication in all that they do in life whether it be sports, dance, or school.

Dance has taken me many places in my life. Some of my very fondest memories involve dance in some way. I actually did things through dance that I never dreamed I would get to do. Some of these include: dancing in the halftime of the Citrus Bowl Game, dancing on a cruise ship, dancing during high school football games, and being on a competitive dance team. What fun learning experiences I had from being in dance.

As an adult a way that I still incorporate dance into my life is every morning in school I dance with my Kinders. It is a great brain break and they LOVE free dancing and me teaching them dances. It is a bonding experience for us all. It also helps keep up fit and active in a very fun way. I also take a ZUMBA class and since I grew up being a dancer I catch onto the dances very easily and I love dancing to stay in shape! It is so fun it doesn’t even feel like exercise.

I am a mother of twin 8 year old girls. One of my highlights of being a mom is that now my girls are taking dance class. I get to see the love and passion of dance through their eyes. Since I grew up dancing I can properly help them with their dance routines. I then get to see them on stage dancing and having the time of their life! I can honestly say that dance has made one of the biggest impact on my life!

Skills and Values From Dance by Krista Smith Asbell

Note* Dear readers, I have asked some former students, that are now grown and parenting their own children , to write as a guest blogger on what skills and values they received from taking dance classes, that they now realize have carried over to their adult life. My hope is that this will be fresh, first hand information that new families to dance or other classes will find helpful in supporting their child's effort. I believe you will find great value in the perception of these young mothers.

 

Our first Guest Blogger is Krista Smith Asbell :

 

I have always loved to dance.  My parents used to take me to a Mexican restaurant that had a mariachi.  When I was 18 months old, I would climb out of my seat and dance to the mariachi's music.  Today, 28 years later, one of my favorite things to do is to go dancing with my husband or dancing in the living room with my 18 month old daughter.  Dance taught me so many things.  It taught me how nothing comes without hard work, to live a healthy lifestyle, and if you’re having a bad day – get moving!  I can not wait for my daughter to start dance lessons, so I can watch her grow, not only as a dancer, but as a person. 

            I began dance as an activity when I was in the third grade.  When I was in the fourth grade, I begged Miss Mary to not take ballet.  However, I disappointingly enrolled for tap, jazz, and the dreaded ballet.  See, I did not understand that ballet is the foundation for ALL types of dance.  I had no idea the great things ballet, alone, was doing for me.  Ballet, in my opinion, is the hardest type of dance.  It is more structured, requires more technique, and requires more muscle control and conditioning than the other forms of dance.  Without ballet, you can be a good dancer, but you can not be a great dancer! From this experience, I learned you will not get any where in life, unless you do the work first.  To achieve anything in life, there is always lots of sacrifices and hard work to first be completed. 

            Dance established the basis for me to be healthy.  I wasn't just going to dance lessons; it was like going to therapy every week.  I may have walked into dance with four tests at school that week, drama among junior high girls, and life in general, but not when I walked out.  When I left dance, I felt like a whole new person!  Dance lets you express yourself in a healthy way, when sometimes, there are no words to express what you are feeling.  It was also intense, low impact exercise.  It was great cardio, especially with Miss Mary’s tap routines! Even though ballet wasn't my favorite, it was excellent conditioning, and I grew to appreciate ballet. To this day, I keep active to minimize stress, support muscle tone, also it makes me feel good.   

           I also gained an appreciation of all types of music.  Dance helps in so many aspects of life, especially a young person's life.  It increases athletic abilities, engages both right and left brain thinking, creates excellent posture, and builds confidence. I can’t think of a better activity for children to keep their mind, body, and soul healthy. I am still reaping the benefits of dance today.  Dancing made me happy and still does.  Anytime I catch my toddler dancing, I encourage her – whether we are in public or at home – because I know it makes her happy.  That is the most wonderful thing about dance, it makes people happy.  If the music makes you want to move, then get moving!

Krista Smith Asbell

Public Educator

I Can't Get Her/Him To Practice

Well, of course you cannot! No child ever wants to do what their parent's want them to. Right?
As director of Academy of Fine Arts, I do understand you wanting them to practice their art of music, dance, gymnastics, etc. a good thirty minutes a day. But believe me, as a parent also, it just is not going to happen!

At least it is not going to happen at the day, time and moment you want it to. I too struggled with the idea that my child (or even grandchild) should be working out every day and practicing what we are paying for. Even though I own the school, I still had to pay the teachers that my family members took under and wanted to be sure that I got what I was paying for! Reasonable, right? Not really when you stop and think about it.

I finally realized that I was not paying tuition for my child to practice. I was actually paying tuition for my child to "take a weekly lesson" and that practicing at home just did not fit into the mix at all.
So this meant that I had to re-focus my intentions and re-direct my children (and grandchildren) to a whole new idea of what practice might be.

Ever wonder why on weekends that your child "plays school" when they have already been in school all week?  You would think they would be tired of school, right? When in fact what they are doing is not practicing their school work, but actually putting what they had learned during the week into action. Playing school is not work, it is a fun project!

So why not allow practicing dance or music, stretching for gymnastics or writing choreography and theatrical movements be play? Why not allow them to take what they have learned from class this week and teach it back to imaginary friends, dolls, stuffed animals or siblings?

I can remember parents in the past asking how my children became accomplished dancers, gymnasts, athletes and musicians (yes they all played instruments as well as danced, tumbled, played softball and basketball and even  cheered). How many hours a week did I make them practice? My answer? ZERO. Not even when they were in the high school band. Why? Because I did not want to push them towards "I want to give up".

Instead of practicing at home, we played. They played "dance teacher", "gymnastic coach", " cheer coach". "music teacher", "band director" to their siblings, friends from across the street, their dolls and stuffed bears, and yes even to family members that were over for dinner or adult friends that had stopped by.

Every weekend was a time that they worked on putting together a new performance, The performance was usually unveiled on Sunday evenings in its full array of music, movement, singing and playing instruments! I actually miss those performances. They were creative, colorful, cooperative and insightful. They changed with the seasons. They changed with the weather. But they were all wonderful!

There was no scheduled practice time at home. Ever. But once in high school and having a playing test the next week, the instruments did come out. They came out for practice on their own, because now there was something at risk. Grades.

Once in Junior and Senior High, you would find them stretching and working out on their own. Why? Because now there was competition dance team, cheer squad, basketball team, softball team and skills they wanted to get down for class.

Practice is something that I believe a child has to grow into. Before age 12 years, it is best to leave it up to play. After all, all of the current personal development coaches say, "If you want to become an expert at something, first learn to teach it."

So let the young child teach what they have learned to other, imaginary and real. And keep the classes there on a weekly basis so that they can teach something new each week. Let them grow into their art methods. Let them grow as a teacher. Let them grow into a wonderful, accomplished sons and daughters. Let them play.

Kids Say The Funniest Things

This week in class, one of our students looked up to the dance teacher and asked, "Do you wash your black leotard and jazz pants every night so that you can teach in them the next day?" "Well no, I actually have several black leotards and pants to select from", said the teacher. "Really?????" was the reply from the very serious young student. "You really only have black clothes in your closet? You really need some color with that!" Sometimes our students say the funniest things, and yet can be so honest with their opinions. What the student does not understand is that a dance teacher's life is filled with a lot of color! Rosy cheeks and pearly white teeth in a large smile that meet the teacher as each student comes through the door for their lessons. Pink skirts and tutus twirling in the air, red hip hop sneakers and lime green pants dancing on the floor, sequined dance bags that line the floor, and glitter! Glitter every where! A teacher of dance hears music and immediately sees movement and color! We see color in the sunrise and the sunset that gives us inspiration to choreograph great performances. Color is everywhere when looking through hundreds of books for costumes for the spring performance. Yes, dance teachers have a lot of color in their lives. So much so that we never notice that when we wear our traditional"uniform" to teach classes that others would think that there is no color in our lives. Actually there is so much color in a dance teachers life that we sometimes find glitter in the strangest places. Sometimes there is even glitter in the meatloaf at home, but by mistake. Keep smiling!

Ever Thought Of Sharing Your Talent?

We are currently accepting resumes for teaching positions. Applicants must be able to pass a background check and be at least 18 years of age. Positions available are mostly part time but we do offer the ability to cross over into other departments to bring you closer to full time.
Positions are open in our Woodward and Enid locations.

Positions now open are:

Piano Teacher                                          Guitar Teacher                        Band Instrument Teacher
Drum Teacher                               Mom & Me Music Teacher               Music Fun Time Teacher
Ballet Teacher                                         Tap Teacher                             Jazz/ Hip Hop Teacher
Lyrical Teacher                               Contemporary Teacher                    Acrobatic Teacher
Gymnastics Coach                       Cheerleading/Tumbling Coach           Art Teacher
Academic Preschool Teacher         Academic Pre-K Teacher                 Learning Coaches

Resumes can be emailed to teacherapplications2000-enid@yahoo.com
                                            teacherapplications2000-woodward@yahoo.com

Angelina Ballerina Holiday Break Party!

Join the Fun!

 

Angelina Ballerina Holiday Break Party

 

December 23rd Woodward Location

January 2nd Enid Location

 

10:00-11:30 am Ages 2- 4 yrs

1:00-3:00 pm Ages 5-9 yrs

 

Dancing Fun, Movie, Popcorn, Crafts,

games, nail painting and more!

 

Limited in enrollment!

Finish your wrapping and shopping while they spend some time with us!

 

For more information and registration

visit our website events & parties page at

www.academyoffineartsok.com

 

580-256-3262  Woodward Location

580-747-4799  Enid Location

 

To Compete or Not Compete. That is the Question!

Dance competitions are BIG DEAL these days. Well, actually they were a big deal even in the 80's when every child did not receive a trophy or a ribbon. Matter of fact, most only handed out a 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the age group. No extra awards. But things have changed and maybe not for the best.

One of the things that has changed is how a student gets to be a part of a competition team. These days, some studios just allow you to sign up, as if it is a regular class. Others hold a "clinic" or "audition" to see which one of the teams you will be on. While still those schools, that know  not every student or family is ready for the full commitment of competing, select students from recommendations from teachers, conduct interviews and meet with each individual parent and make an informed decision about their child's well being.

As an adjudicator for competitions and director of my own schools, I am of the opinion that studios that take all students into a competition team or company, no matter what level of dancer, can be doing great harm to the student as well as the industry.

Competing use to be seen as "the next step" for those students and families that had a plan toward dancing at the university level, auditioning for amateur and professional shows, etc. It was the "next commitment" level to work towards in fine tuning the dance craft of the young person.

Much care was taken in being sure that the student was ready for the regimen  of training, travel, scoring well and not scoring so well. Hours was spent in preparation and selection of the dance method, music selection and costuming so that everything was appropriate. Then there was the many hours of technique training.

Most of this seems to be gone. There is no plan, but maybe to get as many families in as you can to charge more for lessons and costumes. There does not seem to be as much work on a piece before it even hits the stage. Many times, it has been evident that an unfinished piece has just been placed on stage to "get the feel" of if the number is going to do well later in the season, or if it needs to be dumped and start all over just for the sake of receiving a plastic trophy.

Our students that have placed in top 10 and top 5 at nationals spent hours on a piece, maybe even a year, before putting it on stage for adjudication. They would perform at local pageants, festivals, fairs and benefits to fine turn their performance presence as well as the dance. And some even competed a number more than one year or season to allow the piece to mature with them.

So, maybe I am  "old school" in thinking that the idea of a "Pre-K Competition Team" or even a "Kindergarten Competition Team" is just a bit too over the top. Subjecting students at such an early age (now I do know that there are some exceptional kindergarten age dancers out there, but let them dance in a multi age level group and average the ages!) may just lead to a big decay in the whole dance competition scene.

All it takes is a hyper emotional child, whose feelings have been crushed, and an extremely emotional parent that their child's feelings have been hurt or their child was cheated, to manifest into the worlds largest mess in a studio and everyone is unhappy! If this happens, it is probably not even the child or parents fault. But the fault of dance professionals trying to push too much, too soon and not have enough courage to tell a family, "I am sorry, I don't think competing is something you should consider for your child just yet. But we will certainly track their progress and visit with you as soon as we believe that moment has arrived."

So no, we will never have competitive dance groups that a parent can just sign up their child for. We will never place a child on stage that is not completely ready for the experience. And we will always be up front and honest with the parents so that we can develop a working relationship with the student and family that lasts for years, maybe even generation.

You see, as a dance professional, our families deserve this respect. They deserve to have a dance professional that is working for the progress of their child's ability to dance and never, ever at the expense of a child's feelings or emotional well being.

After all, dance is an education and not another "traveling" activity. Enough said.

The Connection Between Arts Education and Academic Achievement

"If they're worried about their test scores and want a way to get them higher, they need to give kids more arts, not less," says Tom Horne, Arizona's state superintendent of public instruction. "There's lots of evidence that kids immersed in the arts do better on their academic tests."

For more on this article, click this link  http://www.edutopia.org/arts-music-curriculum-child-development

Then call us to find out how you can help your child take a step forward in their academics by adding the arts to their after school activities. 580-256-3262 (Woodward) 580-747-4799

The Value of Art for the Preschool Child

Art is basic. Of course, every subject area is important, but no program for young children could succeed without emphasizing art. Through making, looking at, and talking about their own artwork and the art of others, three-, four-, and five-year-old children are doing the following:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/value-art-preschool-children/

Our Enid Location!!

The Enid location is coming to life! Yea!!! Yes indeed! Some classes, as we have confirmed and hired teachers, are now live for registration on line! So be sure to go to www.academyoffineartsok.com and go to the online registration page to start checking things out (we have put up a better explanation of how to find the classes for your location!

We welcome students from Enid, Ringwood, Drummond, Lahoma, Bison, Waukomis, Garber, Hennessey, Fairmont, Pond Creek, Cleo Springs, Cherokee, Alva, Carrier, Hillsdale, Kremlin, Hunter, Jet, Nash, Helena, Goltry, Ames, Okeene, Kingfisher, Dover, Covington, Billings, Medford, Deer Creek, Fairview and other towns surrounding Enid.

Watch our website and Facebook pages for announcements of classes enrolling and start dates for fall 2013!

New To Dance Classes?

New to dance classes?You will find very helpful information in this article. If your questions are not fully answered, then please call our office or visit our FAQ page. You have our promise we will answer all of your questions!

5 Things Every Parent Should Know
 Before Choosing A Dance School

If most dance studios and schools have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are four very important things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassels that must be dealt with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are fou things that every parent should consider before deciding on a studio for their child.
1. The type of dance floor used.
  Dance is a very physical activity that requires alot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide enough cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place alot of pressure on the knees and back of the dancer.The best wayto prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor". A floating floor rests on a system of high density foam to absorb the shock of jumping.
 The top layer of the floor is also important. A specialized vinyl composite "marley type" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. A marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of controlled slip, but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios offer a marley floor due to the expense and opt for tiled floors instead.
At our facility, the dance floors are of the highest quality and rest on closed cell foam that allows the floors to actually move with the student. Thus lessening the possibility of injuries to growing dancers. 
2.Size of Class
   If a dance class has fewer students in it, then each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students, it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instruction. This also allows teachers to spot incorrect technique faster so that it can be corrected before bad habits, that can cause injury, are developed.   Our school offers classes that are limited in size for better instruction of your children. Classes for ages 6 years and up are limited to only 12 to a class. For our very young students of ages 2 to 5 years, the class is limited to 6 per class.
3.Organized And Well Planned Events
    We understand how busy families are these days. That is why we offer well organized recitals, open house, students appreciation days and bring a friend weeks. Paretns receive newsletters via their email address so that they alwayd know what is going on. The website offers a student page with a calendar and other special notices so that parents can plan well in advanced. We attempt to meet all of a families information needs through our website, courteous office staff and student mail boxes in the school.4. A Well Designed Curriculum In PlaceMovement instruction is technical from the very beginning. A well designed curriculum should be challenging and inspire the student to move further through the training. The balance between a challenging and insiring program must contain proper technique, sequence and terminology at all levels. The mixture of fun, creativity, energy and the proper music are also factors when determining if a program has been designed for optimal learning and enjoyment.
Our school offers a class schedule with a broad range of movement instruction for ages 2 years and up and at all levels. We offer a specific curriculum designed to create and capture a students attention and enthusiasm while emphasizing proper technique, sequence and terminology. 5. The Ability To Get Immediate Assistance
In many studios, the teacher conducts classes and does the administrative work as well. Sometimes at the same time the classes are being conducted. By trying to do two jobs at one, the quality of the classes may suffer while the teacher is conducting customer service. To have a good experience, it is wise to choose a facility that can offer customer assistance when you need it.    We offer a variety of ways that busy parents can contact us for information. Office staff is available to assist with questions and needs on a daily basis. Our office opens at 10:00 am Monday through Friday and not just when classes start. Information about classes and events are always being updated on the website, and e-postcards and newsletters are sent directly to our parents email addresses. E-notices are filtered to the classes so that when a parent receives information it is for their child's classes purposes.     

REGISTERING NOW FOR SUMMER AND FALL SESSIONS!

Registration is now available from our website for the August summer camps. Pre-Register NOW to save your placement in the fall classes of your choice. Remember that we limit the size of our classes to offer your child a better learning environment!


Register at http://www.academyoffineartsok.com