Should My Child Be Taking Classes During Covid-19

  Many studios and gyms across our nation have been working hard at developing new systems of class delivery and health protocols during this time of COVID-19. Some have been forced to be "locked down", and others have been working with area health officials, their insurance provider and their faculty and staff to continue to deliver their services to their area families. It has been a time of high stress, uncertainty and fear.

  But through it all, this is what we know. Children are not made to be locked down, They are a creature of constant movement, giggles and fun. Movement is their release for stress. Movement helps them to think and even work better in school. The one thing that should not be taken away, for any reason, is movement classes. Especially movement classes that actually teaches self confidence and resilience. Stopping these type of classes is like asking the person to stop breathing.

It is very important to a child to be in their movement classes right now. It is where they make and maintain friends that have a similar interest in having fun. It is where the music brings a playful mood or feeling. It is where the real world dissolves and the magical world, that all children want and need as a mental escape, appears. 

Movement classes offer so much for a child's growth and self esteem, that many movement instructors believe that it is vital to to all children's mental, physical and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic. And we believe that fully as well here at Academy of Fine Arts. It is why we are still offering classes and lessons, either virtually or in person.

Movement classes, music lessons and art classes have all been found to be beneficial to our well being as humans. It is why a brisk walk can lift your spirits and help with stress. It is why when you listen to calming music, you no longer are anxious. It is while painting a landscape , you may find yourself smiling. 

Instead of classes and lessons being thought of as an extra expense during a frightening pandemic, these may actually be the just right prescription to a healthier immune system. Classes and lessons can also be a happy distraction from every frightening moment due to COVID-19 and such great chaos and unrest in the world. 

There are many options for classes and lessons right now, from a free class on Facebook, to Zoom classrooms, in person small group classes and even private lessons. After 12 months of fear and uncertainty, it just may be the right time to research for a location that has 

1) health protocols in place, 

2)options for virtual or in person,

 3) private or small group classes, or 

4) an occasional free virtual class in your area.

Mary Myers is the Owner/Director of Academy of Fine Arts of Woodward OK

 

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

Why A Dance Education Versus Just Learning A Dance?

There are many different types of dance studios around our nation. And rightly so because not all families are looking for the same thing when it comes to placing their children in a dance program.

There are the "activity" studios. These are the ones that can come up with great activity style classes that only run six to eight weeks at a time. Low commitment and made for fun and to give the parents a break from their children once in awhile.

There are "lets learn a dance" studios that start teaching a dance at the beginning of the season and take the entire season to complete or polish it.

There are "competition" studios where every class in the studio, with maybe the exception of the baby classes, compete. That is their goal and target. Attend competitions.

There are the studios that see what they do as an education. They not only teach dances, but actually how to dance. Techniques is important and impressed upon their students because they want to be sure if these students do one day decide to audition for a university dance department or for a professional show, that they have the skills and training to make it.

Take these four types of studios and you will see even a different blend. Such as the Educational Studio that understands and can meet the educational side with still allowing a few students to compete. Why only a few? Because they are hand selected and not open called for auditions. These hand selected students are ones that parents understand that this is more that just getting on a stage and getting a trophy. It is about performance value and learning about performance.

Then there is the studio that the competitions are actually an activity because not enough time is spent on technique, but instead tricks to make the audience yell out for them (have you ever experience yelling "get it girl" during a Nutcracker performance by a professional company?). Although entertaining, these dancers seldom go on to higher levels of dance opportunities, and even if they tried they are generally turned away.

Dance is an education of movement, correct sequences and technique in execution. It should be fun or your child will not enjoy it. It should be measurable or your child will not know if they are advancing or not. It should be balanced with technique and learning a dance.

Yes, dance is an education. So is performance. An education that can take them to as high as they want to achieve, if they have the right start.

Music Fun Time Classes Now Registering

Music Fun Time is a theory based music class for ages 18 mo-3 yrs, 3-5 yrs and 5-7 yrs of age. Incorporating math and music science techniques, your young child will learn to read music and play instruments. Call us at 580-256-3262in Woodward or 580-747-4799 in Enid. New classes starting in January. 

Who Do We Recommend For Pianos?

Many parents ask us about purchasing pianos for their child's lessons. They want to know what will work for their child to learn on. Many have purchased pianos on Craigslist or off of Facebook sites and have been greatly disappointed to find out that they only purchased a worn out clunker that does not serve their child or family well.

For the past several years, we have been using a company out of Hutchison Kansas (yes all the way to Kansas!). The reason has been that we believe that they are specialists when it comes to pianos. We have never been disappointed, and neither have our students when playing on our pianos.

Pianos Unlimited in Hutchison Kansas is also a family owned and ran company. They deliver pianos all over the US. Their website at www.pianosunlimited.com is a great place for you to start looking for a great piano. You will find that they offer restoration services, for those of you that have a family piano that you were hoping to use. They also offer used pianos that have been serviced by their technicians.

We highly recommend Brad at Pianos Unlimited for your source of pianos. They will be happy to guide you through your search for a piano and you will not feel pressured into purchasing something that you are not interested in (at least we have never been).

Do us a favor, when you email or call Pianos Unlimited, please let them know that you got their website address from us. We do not get an affiliate fee or anything like that. What we got from them was a promise they would happily take good care of our students.

Happy piano shopping!

Academy Of Fine Arts Now Offering You

 A Chance For A Public Education At No Charge

 

 

In May of 2013, Academy of Fine Arts entered into a collaboration with Oklahoma Connections Academy. OKCA is a public virtual school that allows a students more time to spend on their passions such as dance and music!

 

As a public virtual school that is fully accredited and recognized by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, students residing in Oklahoma that have been in public schools can now transfer to Oklahoma Connections Academy at no charge.

 

Academy of Fine Arts locations will now offer a "learning coaches service" to parent that do not want or have the time to step into the daily role of learning coach for their child or children. Students can then have more time to spend on the passions and talents that they want to further develop, such as dance, gymnastics, music, art, voice and more (we even have a track for those that want to focus on more sports and not performing arts!)

 

Parents are in full control of their child's education process with Oklahoma Connections Academy, since they enroll directly with OKCA and then outsource the learning coach to us for a monthly fee! But we want to warn you, OKCA is a progressive curriculum and is not meant to be easier than the brick and mortar public schools that are available. Your child will be challenged and will grow through many different courses and electives that you cannot get in the typical school system.

 

Fall registration is now going on and we only have a limited amount of time and space available for your child. We encourage you to go to www.connectionsacademy.com/OKCA to learn more about this public virtual school that is free to you. Then go to our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com to learn more about our performing arts school and new sports department.

 

Taking a look at this today, may just change your child's path to success!



Not Every School Situation Is A Good Fit

Thirty years ago there were not many different school options to select from. I know  because we were parents that was giving other school options consideration because we were not happy with the level of learning our children were involved in.

We had a choice of public school, and pray real hard that we got a great teacher, or homeschooling. A few years later a private Christain Academy opened in our town. And yet we were not completely satisfied with our choices. Flash forward to today, and the most outstanding choices are offered for parents!

Homeschooling was not our choice because of the way people reacted to the idea (we were young enough to not know that their opinions really did not matter). And we did not find enough support or guidelines at the time to help us out. The Christain Academy also did not meet our needs for our children at that time due to their limited curriculum and staff. So we opted to stay in the brick and mortar public school, with a few of our own options added.

Being in a public brick and mortar school had it's challenges. Bullying was evident even then, but our biggest concern was the lack of up to date and appropriate classes for the success of our children. Options were very limited and most of the time our children found themselves being very bored. So we started adding extra curricular events, leadership trainings and classes to their day to round out and fill the void. Which in turn was alot of extra work on our part (because we made time and room for), but still feel it was worth the managing of, so that they were highly successful in college and in life.

Today, parents have many options! Besides the public brick and mortar schools and the private Christian schools, parents can now enroll their children into virtual schools and public virtual schools (if available in their state).

The virtual schools and public virtual schools that we have researched offer  larger curriculum options than most public brick and mortar. The one school that we have found to offer a great curriculum is Connections Academy. Especially Oklahoma Connections Academ, which is a free public virtual school available to all Oklahoma children for K-12 grades.

Oklahoma Connections Academy is one that has a a progressive curriculum that challenges the student. Languages such as Manderin and electives such as Entreneurship are set to help your child be successful in a new global world of commerce of the future. Alot of books and materials are e-book based, so they can be updated easily as things change globally. Their Gifted and Talented program, field trips and activities make it a great learning experience for every child.

So if you are just not happy with what your child is getting in school these days, we would encourage you to take a look at Oklahoma Connections Academy today and start this August off on the positive side!

Black Friday Store Special

Purchase a BLACK FRIDAY COUPON for $75

that is worth $100 when used by December 23, 2012

in our store.

Coupon can be used to purchase dancewear, shoes, guitars, dance and music supplies that are in stock in our store. Coupon confirmation will be emailed to the purchaser.
* Coupon worth up to $100 in merchandise if used by December 23, 2012. After December 23rd the coupon will be honored for the paid value of $75. Fee is charged at the time of ordering and is non-reundable.
* Sales tax on the purchases will be charged and paid by the customer.
* Coupon can be used with in the guidelines for multiple purchases.

* Store open Late on Wednesdays during December for your shopping convenience!

Coupon can be purchased today through Tuesday and families are limited to two. Cannot be used for tuition or lessons. Purchase the coupon through our event calendar link from our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com Just go to the events page and click on the event caledar link.

Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy

Now starring at

Academy of Fine Arts

is your licensed Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy!

Angelina Summer Camps

August 6-10 3-4 ½ and 4 ½ -6 yrs

Angelina Ballerina Dance Classes

offered Monday -Thursday this fall!

3-4 ½ and 4 ½ -6 yrs

Register now for early placement for the day and time you need!

www.academyoffineartsok.com

On line or in person registration

Woodward Academy of Fine Arts

609 Main Street

580-256-3262

Class sizes are limited to 6 and 8 in a class

Register Today!

Dont' Forget To Register!

Hello! Summer dance camp is just around the corner and I wanted to make sure that you have registered! Your child will not only enjoy dancing and getting to know Angelina Ballerina through our wonderful summer camps, but will also learn about nutrition and how to keep their body strong! There is lots to do in an Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy Summer Camp.

Please remember that we never over crown our camps or classes, so it is important for you to register very soon to save your place. Just go to our website at http://www.academyoffineartsok.com/ and register now for summer camp in July and in August! While there, you just might want to go ahead and reserve your fall class placement as well!

We hope to see you in class!

Academy of Fine Arts is now an official Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy! Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy classes are taught through a nationwide network of top quality dance studios.
Your child will receive a quality dance education in a caring and fun environment, all based on the beloved Angelina Ballerina character.
Each month your child will learn new dance skills and steps based on a new Angelina Ballerina story book.
The Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy curriculum is designed by internationally renowned master teachers and child development experts. Your child will be inspired to pursue their dreams of dance, just like Angelina Ballerina!
Register today and your little star with big dreams will develop the love and skills of dance that will last for a lifetime.

COMING THIS SUMMER!

Summer Camp Description

This 5-day camp is designed to promote physical health, confidence, and creativity while teaching proper dance technique in Camp 1 for ages 3 - 4 ½ and Camp 2 for ages 4 ½ - 6.
Promoting reading and literacy, this complete camp curriculum focuses on reading and studying the book, “Angelina's Perfect Party”.  Also included are lessons in nutrition and creating a strong healthy body, educational activity sheets, and craft projects to create excitement among young dancers.
 Camp Dates in Woodward
July 16-20th
August 6-10th

*More camps to be added. Registration now available on line at http://www.emailcontact.com/stat/click.php?nl_id=181849&email=[EMAIL]&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.academyoffineartsok.com

New Computer Lab in Woodward Location

Be sure to check out the new computer lab in the Woodward location. Here students from the Move-N-Learn Academy, as well as our music students in the Woodward Academy of Music Department, will use specialized software to enhance their learning! It also makes learning fun and improves their com puter skills for the future.

Coming soon will be dance sotware to assist our company dancers!

Trying To Find Money For More Classes?

Every family only has so much income to use for those special things such as classes for their children. But with some creativity and examination of a familie spending habits, they just may be surprised to find that there is extra money just hidding in their home that would allow for classes in ballet, music, tap, guitar, voice, art, karate, etc.

Mary Myers overs insights into where you can look within your own home and foind where hidden money is available. We encourage you to read this simple document that can help you to start thinking about where the Hidden $$$$ is in your home. You can find a copy of the document at www.youpublish.com