Why Lead to Succeed?

Last month, we started a new group at Academy of Fine Arts that all registered students, ages 7 - 18 yrs can opt to be a part of. The group is about learning to be a leader in school, classes at AOFA and in the community, and is at no extra charge to participating families.

September was our first meeting and most of the meeting was talking about what leadership is and what qualities do we think a leader has, or brings to different events and situations. It was a very enlightening time for all in attendance.

So why offer children an opportunity to learn about leadership and develop leadership skills of their own? Because becoming a strong leader takes time. Just like growing from a child to an adult cannot happen, learning to be a true leader takes time to mature as well. After all, leadership is more than just making better choices or being a big boy or girl. Leadership skills of true leaders, tend to start to develop as a child and teen.

I was invited into leadership training when I was ten years of age. I was involved with lessons as a student when the head of the program approached my parents about me becoming more than just a student of the course. She explained that I would continue to learn and improve my skills in the course I was participating in, but I would also learn to assist the instructors, be a demonstrator and learn leadership skills as well. This lady, that saw something special in my abilities, started me on one of the most wonderful adventures of my life...... teaching and leadership.

Over the years, I have had many opportunities to listen to and be trained by some of the worlds greatest personal development leaders. Jack Canfield, Les Hewitt, Michael Gerber, Fran Hewitt, Darren Hardy, Les Brown, Dave Crenshaw, Jim Abrams, Jim Rohn,  Dave Rendall, Steve Chandler and Sam Beckford to just name a few. Each with their own specialties and viewpoints, have helped me to develop into a leader for many different groups and organizations. Their knowledge about personal development and leadership growth continue to influence my life.

Now it is time to share this wealth of knowledge and training with a different group, our students at Academy of Fine Arts. As I stated before, last month we learned and discussed what leadership is and what it is about. We also discussed qualities of a leader. This month, we continue the conversation and will learn time management skills that leaders use to stay on track. Other things we will be discussing is switchtasking/multitasking versus prioritizing, planning and scheduling. Because these are all skills that help a person to be in position to lead.

As the months go by and the group grows in skills, we will be reaching out to others in our classes, school, homes and community with projects to continue the growth of leadership. We will also be learning skills as to how to supports others on their leadership journey. And we will also explore challenging others in the group to explore how they can put their leadership skills to use outside of the group and Academy of Fine Arts/

If you, as a parent, is unsure about your child dedicating one Saturday morning a month to this adventure, I suggest that you visit with me or allow them to attend a couple of meetings to see what your child's response is to the experience. Registered students age 7 - 18 yrs may attend and participate. We do hope to see your child this Saturday at Lead to Succeed.


Mary Myers is the owner and director of Academy of Fine Arts in Woodward, OK

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!

New Classes This Fall

New classes will be added to the fall schedule to accommodate students that are homeschooler, virtual schooled or in our Learning Coach Service program. These classes will be held in the early afternoon ( and possibly in the mornings).

Classes we are planning on offering this fall are Ballet I and II, Ballet Technique Class, Jazz I and II, Tap I and II. Pre-Tumble and Dance will also be offered for our Preschool and Pre-K students that are registered in the Move-N-Learn Academy. By offering earlier classes, these student will be able to blend their training into their school day and receive many benefits of physical activity and more.

Also offered in the earlier class periods will be group music and vocal as well as art.

Those interested in the classes need to pre-register by May 1st to be assured the class will be held. A delay in registration could mean the class could be filled or dropped from the schedule.

Registration for the Learning Coach Services is also due by May 1st.

Mind and Arts Connection

For many years we have promoted the Mind and Arts Connection as well as the Mind and Body Connection to our students, their families and our social media families. More and more research truly indicated that both theories have great value for consideration.

The arts most often mentioned for great benefits is dance, music, theater and art. These benefits do exist and are highly recognized so much now, there is a call for more people to train in Dance Therapy, Music Therapy and Art Therapy by major hospitals. The arts have been found to beneficial to those who have suffered strokes, closed head injuries, cancer and much more.

Researching the internet, you will find article after article on these subjects. Some are informational and others are based on research. And then there are those that are just opinions. Sorting through all of the information is time consuming, but some will say well worth the time.

We ran across a video on the PBS website that is informational and offers research as well. It is about an hour long because there is so much to share. So if you are tired of television or cannot find something interesting to watch this week, maybe tune into this video and learn more about the mind and arts connection. You just may find it to be an investment of time that benefits your family in some way.

Here is the video link :    http://video.pbs.org/video/2271028439/

The PBS website is a gold mind of information about the performing and fine arts. BE sure to check other articles out when visiting.   www.pbs.org