Little People's Creative Workshop

The most FUN time of year!!

2011-12-18T09:16:00.008-05:00

We have been having SO much fun this month with our holiday themed lesson plans!! It is our favorite time of year - as well as our students. We just wanted to take a minute and let you know how thankful we are for all of you......our student's families. We feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to work with your little ones. Thank you! We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and many blessings in the upcoming year!!

Happy Fall Y'all

2011-10-12T14:18:00.006-04:00

With the leaves changing and a chill in the air, we are enjoying the change in season here in Charlotte. We are excited to still meet new faces each week with new registrations. We are growing like pumpkins on a vine. Here's a fun pumpkin pantomime for the spirit of the fall. Enjoy!

Jack o' Happy

This is Jack o' Happy (make a happy face)
This is Jack o' Sad (make a sad face)
This is Jack o' Sleepy (make a sleepy face)
This is Jack o' Mad (make a mad face)
This is Jack in broken pieces small. (open up hands)
Baked in a pie he's best of all. YUM, YUM! (rub tummy)

Off to a great start!!

2011-10-05T12:33:00.002-04:00

We are off to an amazing start here in Northern Virginia! September flew by so fast, it feels like we were just having registrations and now classes are well underway. Our classes are filling up fast but we have a few openings left, so don't let your child's friends miss out!!

Speaking of time flying by-One of coolest things about being with certain schools for so long is getting to teach the younger siblings of some of my former students. I remember when some of these dancers were in the infant room and now they are in classes with personalities and voices, it is so fun to watch these dancers grow. Before I know it, it will be the last class before they go off to kindergarten!!

It is such a pleasure to teach your children and introduce them to the arts, even for a short period of time, thanks for giving me that joy everyday!!

Happy Fall,

Jenn Delfin- Northern Virginia

Ballantyne Preschool of the Arts

2011-09-19T13:22:00.004-04:00

We are excited to be a part of the Ballantyne Preschool of the Arts. The new preschool's curriculum combines traditional education with the arts. Children are taught math, science, reading, writing and social skills in a creative environment that integrates visual arts and the performing arts of dance, drama and music. LPCW's curriculum fits in nicely with their education objectives. We are thrilled that an opportunity like this is being provided for preschoolers in our area. It gives them an exposure to the arts while learning. How much fun!! We look forward to an exciting year here.

Dancing is AWESOME!

2011-09-15T21:24:00.007-04:00

Things are going great here in the Triangle!! We have been having so much fun in our first week of classes! I love meeting all the new students. We have a great group a little movers!

Today, one of my four year old friends told me, "Mrs. Summer, this class is my favorite part of the day! Dancing is AWESOME!" I have to agree with her, dancing is always my favorite part of the day too!

And We're Off!!!

2011-09-06T18:01:00.005-04:00

We are getting off to a great start in the Charlotte region. DEMOS, DEMOS, DEMOS!! Every child enrolled at all of our Charlotte centers will have a chance to try out our classes this week. We already have children registered and our classes are filling up fast, so don't miss out on the fun!! We are starting out our year with the wonderful "Wizard of Oz". This is bringing much excitement. For example, we stretch in our straddle position with "Storm Rocks". We rock from side to side in the terrible tornado with Dorothy and land like the house in the middle for a really good stretch. So, "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" to LPCW. We are thrilled to be starting our 2011-2012 year.

Look for us soon on the Charlotte Mecklenburg School's approved vendor list. We could be coming to a school near you!!

Chesterbrook Academy Open House!

2011-08-16T12:05:00.007-04:00

I love Open Houses!! This past Saturday I was at the Open House for Chesterbrook Academy in Chalfont, PA. Current and prospective families were able to see our dance class in action! It was great showing off some of the many fun things we do in class each week. A couple of our current students showed up to lend a helping hand and show some of the parents what they love to do in class! I hope everyone who joined us had a great time and I look forward to seeing some of our new dancers signed up for class with us this fall!

Where did the summer go??!!!!!

2011-07-26T16:44:00.006-04:00

It's hard to believe that we only have 3 weeks left in our summer program!! The time has flown by and I guess that's because we have been having SO much fun!! We have been learning many new things....from the names of our muscles to the Mexican Hat Dance (we love that one!). While we are sad to see the summer end we are getting everything ready and gearing up for the fall when our regular dance season begins. Beginning in August be on the lookout for our registration poster at your school so you can sign your little one up for a year of unparalleled learning and fun! Hope to see your child in class this fall!!

Summer Olympics!!

2011-07-12T12:24:00.002-04:00

Summer is going well in Northern Virginia! Its so great to be able to beat the heat inside, but still have fun activities to get our students moving.

One of my favorite summer themes is the Olympic theme we work on in July. Even though it's not Summer Olympic season, its always fun to remind the dancers of the special events and incorporate them in our dance classes. The students really enjoy the torch run and runners stretch but the crowd favorite seems to be the "broad jump" when we have a friendly competition to see who has the longest jumps. I am always so impressed at the athleticism this dancers have! We might even have some of these dancers premiering in the 2028 Olympics!

Happy Summer,

Jennifer Delfin, Northern Virginia

Summer Dance!

2011-06-23T20:11:00.003-04:00

Summer is officially under way in the Philly area! Our New Jersey centers had their first classes this week and we are so happy to see so many new faces joining us!!

Our dancers LOVE our Winnie the Pooh theme. We have so much fun dancing with Pooh and his friends! We are learning how to dance with our whole bodies and the children are having a great time making happy and sad and bored faces to go with some of the Pooh character dances. It is so great seeing them become the different characters and making up unique dances for each one. Our favorite dance so far seems to be the Bouncy Tigger Dance!! More fun to come next week!

Young Actors Workshop!

2011-06-23T12:25:00.003-04:00

For this blog I wanted to focus on the Young Actor's Workshop program. I spend so much time talking about our Little People's programs in Northern Virginia that I forget to mention how awesome the Young Actor's Workshop classes are in this region.

The Young Actor's Workshop offers theatre classes to students ages 6-12 that are taught by trained professionals in the acting and theatre. This summer we are offering a number of week long acting camps in local schools taught by Miss Christine; a Theatre major at Shenandoah University. This summer Miss Christine will take her onstage expertise and share it with our students while using our time-tested curriculum. We are so excited to have her on board and knows she has so much to offer your actor.

The Young Actor's program is steadily growing in Northern Virginia and we offer classes all around the region. Please contact us see if its being offered in your school!

Happy Summer!
Jenn Delfin, Northern Virginia

Let's Go, New Jersey!

2011-06-20T10:33:00.004-04:00

Our New Jersey centers started their LPCW summer classes today!!! We are ready to get the ball rolling and get summer officially started. Don't wait too long! Space is limited and classes fill up quickly! Please don't hesitate to email or call with any questions.

Summer has gotten off to a fantastic start in Lehigh Valley! It's so exciting to see so many familiar faces as well as a whole group of new ones! We are having such a great time learning how to stretch our muscles, explore movement, and find out just how creative we can be!

Happy summer, everyone!!!

"I Feel Like I'm Flying When I Dance"

2011-06-06T11:05:00.003-04:00

"Hey Miss Annie! I feel like I'm flying when I dance!"

These are the beautiful words that ended our school year curriculum a couple of weeks ago, and they've stayed with me since. They came from a student who continues to inspire me and who is able to make you feel instantly better just because she's there.

I feel like I'm flying when I dance ... how true this is! Through the arts we are able to escape our every day lives and go into a special magical place where anything is possible. Watching students during class you believe anything IS possible. You can see them flying like a kite, becoming a terrible dragon, and even leaping over an entire river. Dance helps us tap into our creative thinking and therefore become whatever and whomever we like. Watching the children's learning/thinking/moving process in an LPCW is magical, and the glorious words from one of our students prove that ... I feel like I'm flying when I dance.

Lets all learn to fly with our children. Summer classes start this week and it's not too late to join the experience!

A year in review

2011-06-03T08:56:00.003-04:00

Wow! I can't hide my shock when I look at the calendar and see it already June!! The fall session flew by in Northern Virginia.

It was quite the eventful year; we welcomed a new baby to the LPCW family, lost almost 2 weeks of classes due to snow and closed the year with the wedding of one our instructors. Despite all of this we still managed to have a great session and all the parents and dancers have been so patient as we continue to grow.

It was so nice coming back and doing registrations the last couple of weeks, seeing all of you and hearing your well wishes. I can't wait to get back to teaching this summer and seeing how much we have learned.

Believe it or not, summer classes start next week and summer camps start at the end of June! Look for information at your child's school and don't forget to register.

Happy Spring!

~LPCW, Northern Virginia~

What a Blast!

2011-06-01T16:03:00.003-04:00

Summer is just around the corner! Yay!

We had soooooooo much fun during our "parent informances" this past week! It was so wonderful to see so many smiling faces. All of the children were so very excited to show their loved ones all of the exciting material they have been working so hard on. We had parents, grandparents, and siblings all there to watch our classes, and everyone did a fantastic job! It was such a privilege to watch all of the little stars perform.

Just a reminder, everyone! The fun may have just ended for our school year session, but the summer program is just around the corner! We have 10 weeks ahead of us full of nothing but fun, learning, and movement!

"Dancing is like dreaming with your feet!" ~Constanze

Registrations in Central New York!

2011-05-31T13:05:00.004-04:00

What a FANTASTIC start to summer here in Central New York! Lots of new centers in this area are now offering our curriculum to their students, and how happy they are to express themselves creatively through the arts with LPCW!

LPCW has been in Central New York for a year now and we've done nothing but grow and grow. Not only are we offering classes in the Syracuse area; but we're expanding to Elmira, Corning, and Ithaca! The support of the arts in this area is great, and I couldn't be more thankful for all of the great response and positive feedback about what our program brings to the arts community.

We are so thankful for the chance to teach young children the joy of dance and theatre and look forward to many more years of learning and growing through the arts! It all starts when we're kids ... lets get them involved now!

Thanks Central New York for your passion for the arts!

Why I would choose LPCW Summer Camp...

2011-05-30T19:10:00.003-04:00

I am not a parent, not yet. I will be a parent soon enough. Going from school to school, you notice different activities your child can be involved in, especially over the summer. My husband and I started thinking about what we would want our little boy to be involved in as he gets older. Of course, the first thing that came to mind was "he can do whatever activity he chooses". If he likes baseball, great; if he likes music, pick an instrument little man! This summer I have seen soccer, gymnastics, computer, and music. All of those activities are enriching to a young child. Each activity provides something that will educate and nurture a young mind. Little People's Creative Workshop offers such a great combination of all of the above mentioned activities. Dance and theater are proven to be a great self-esteem and self-confidence builder. Each class focuses on fine tuning the loco motor and non-loco motor skills. Dance will do the obvious such as increasing flexibility, balance and coordination. Most importantly it nurtures the creative mind of a young child. The Little People's Creative Workshop nurtures the entire child. Like I said earlier, I am not a parent, not for another two and half months. Though I will not be enrolling my little one in activities for another two to three more years, I know that my little one will be attending an LPCW each week! Of course, only if he wants to but, I have not met a child that did not want to:)

2011-05-30T14:54:00.005-04:00

What a special week!! All of our special "Parent Informances" went off without a hitch!! Every single dancer gave their best performance and relished in their special moment in the spotlight when taking final bows and curtsies. Thanks to everyone in the Charlotte Mecklenburg region for your support of our theatre arts family. We have had an awesome year!!

As the weather heats up, we are looking ahead to summer. We have already started with our registrations and classes start next week June 6th. Check out some reasons to get your child in our award winning program!! Below are some of the benefits of young children involved in dance and the arts, taken from National Dance Education Organization (http://www.ndeo.org/).

-Children move naturally. They move to achieve mobility, they move to express a thought or feeling, and they move because it is joyful and feels wonderful.

-Physical Development- Dance involves a greater range of motion, coordination, and strength than most other physical activities. Dance utilizes the entire body and is an excellent form of exercise for total body fitness. Young children are naturally active, but dance offers an avenue to expand movement possibilities and skills.

-Emotional Maturity- Children enjoy the opportunity to express their emotions and become aware of themselves and others through creative movement. Movement within a class offers a structured outlet for physical release while gaining awareness and appreciation of oneself and others.

Social Awareness- Children learn to communicate ideas to others through real and immediate mode of body movement. Children quickly learn to work in a group dynamic.

Cognitive Development- Young children will create movement spontaneously when presented with movement ideas or problems that can be solved with a movement response. Movement provides the cognitive loop between the idea and the solutiion.

DANCE IS A POWERFUL ALLY FOR DEVELOPING MANY ATTRIBUTES OF A GROWING CHILD.

Positions Open in NC Triangle....

2011-05-16T15:18:00.000-04:00

We're giving a quick shout out---we are looking for a dynamic teacher for the NC Triangle area region for this summer! We've had a great response with our classes and are in need of an instructor! If you or someone you know would love to spend the summer working with young ones in dance---contact us ASAP.

Have a great Monday!

It's almost summer!!!!

2011-05-09T16:35:00.006-04:00

We are leaping into summer and getting so excited!! Maybe it's because we live at the beach but you can just feel the excitement in the air! We are finishing up our regular dance season and preparing for parent observation at the end of the month (the kids are all so excited to show mom and dad what they have learned!). We hope to see you there. Also, don't forget to sign your little one up for our 10 week summer camp beginning June 6th. Its a great way to give your child something fun and new to do over the summer break!

It's finally warm again!

2011-05-06T14:46:00.003-04:00

What beautiful weather we have been having lately! I know we are all so glad to see flowers blooming and sunshine beaming! We have been having such a wonderful time in dance class. The children have been working so hard and are so excited to show everyone what they have accomplished! This has been a fantastic year. We've been working so hard and everyone has learned so many exciting things. I know we are all sad to see the end of such a fun dance year, but we are definitely ready to show off our moves!

A New Month, New Movement

2011-05-01T21:31:00.003-04:00

As we jump into May, I can't help but feel excited about what we have to offer. The kids will begin working on a new lesson plan. This month we will begin to plan for our parent observation day. I hope that every parent will ask their child about what they learned in their LPCW classes. Maybe even have them show a few things before the "big day". It's always fun to have Mom, Dad or even Grandma get involved in a little dance or theater at home. Can't wait to see you at observation day.

National Dance Week!

2011-04-28T19:45:00.004-04:00

Spring has finally arrived in the Philly area and we could not be happier! This is always a great time of the school year for our dancers to start thinking about what they have been learning each week in class. We decided to celebrate National Dance Week by showing off for our classmates one thing we learned in dance class that we are most proud of! Our students showed off everything from backbends to tendus and passes and leaps to plies! Each student really thought hard about what they wanted to showcase as their "best" dance and they all did great! The parents will be getting a picture of their dancer showing off his/her "best" dance soon and I know everyone is very excited to see how the pictures turned out!!

Gearing Up For Summer!

2011-04-26T14:43:00.004-04:00

Our last month of classes is about to begin, and that can only mean one thing ... Summer classes start in only a couple of weeks!

Summer is a great time for kids to join LPCW! What a great way to add the arts and some structure to our children's summer. We still offer classes each week, but at a nicely reduced rate. Children and parents alike love this!

It's not too late to sign up and have your children start learning and living through the arts. Let their creativity soar!!

Parent Observation is Coming Up!

2011-04-25T17:35:00.001-04:00

LPCW Parents~

Our spring parent observation or "Informance" will be coming up soon! Be sure to mark your calendars for the week of May 21-27 at your child's regular class time. Students are getting excited about inviting you to come and see a special class---showing off what we have been learning since January! Hope to see you then!

Free Local Events for Families...

2011-04-18T15:34:00.000-04:00

Now is a great time to start researching what will be going on in your community for summer family fun! Many communities host 'Music in the Park', or 'Movies on the Lawn' or 'Theatre in the Park' type events for families that are free. These are wonderful opportunities for your children to experience theatre and music at a great price: FREE!! Check your local papers or call your local chamber of commerce or tourism office.

Many National Landmarks host great art events for families in the spring and summer---any that are surrounding you are great ones to check!

Happy Spring!

Fun for You & Your Children....

2011-04-14T09:57:00.000-04:00

Check out the Eagle Cam at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens! You can get an up close look at three eaglets and their parents in the nest. It is a live cam--and so fun to watch.

The past few months we have been working on tempo--one of our exercises was 'Birdie in the Nest, Birdie Out of the Nest'; so your children will have a neat connection with what is going on inside this real nest! Enjoy! {Warning: it has been known to be addicting to watch this cam!}

Eastern NC Summer Info....

2011-04-13T09:25:00.000-04:00

Summer is almost here! We are gearing up for a great summer program here in Eastern NC---not to be missed! In addition to our weekly classes offered onsite at daycares and preschools, here are extras being offered in Greenville, NC for Summer 2011:

Weekly Preschool Community Dance Classes at the Music Academy: Wednesdays, 11:30-12:15, June 8-August 10 (for students not in daycare or preschool during the summer)

Preschool Dance Camps: weeks of June 20-24 & July 18-22, 9am-12pm each day at the Music Academy on Red Banks Rd.

2011 ACTING CAMPS FOR AGES 6-14:

Half-Day Camps:

Lights, Cameras, Action!: June 20-24, 1-5 pm each day at The Oakwood School

Phantom of the Theatre: July 11-15, 1-5 pm each day at The Oakwood School

Theatre Rocks!: July 18-22, 1-5 pm each day at The Oakwood School

Full-Day Camps:

Acting Campservatory #1: August 1-5, 9am-5pm daily at the Music Academy

Acting Campservatory #2: August 8-12, 9am-5pm at the Music Academy

_______

Don't miss the exciting summer---give us a call today to register your child!

Flowers in Bloom

2011-04-12T15:13:00.006-04:00

There is excitement in the spring air in the Charlotte Mecklenburg region. Just like the flowers are blooming, our students are blossoming into beautiful dancers. They are mastering those last few skills before showing them off for our special "Parent Informances" in May. They can't wait to show what we have been up to since January. Mark your calendars for May 23-27 during your child's regular dance day and time. Hope to see you there.

ps- Don't forget your cameras!!

Young Child's Creativity....

2011-04-11T09:20:00.001-04:00

The movie Monsters, Inc actually came from a 30 year-old man's drawings that he did when he was 3! Don't discount your young child's early creative endeavors----they could lead to big things! And always be sure to encourage them--we were all meant to be creative.

Young Actors Filming.....

2011-04-07T07:04:00.001-04:00

Turning the science room into a movie studio! Young Actors Workshop is our acting program for ages 6-14. We have a blast! Check out these great pictures of one of our acting classes working on the filming of their spring presentation yesterday. Screen acting is very different from stage acting--we have been able to work on skills that we are unable to spend much time working on when rehearsing for the stage. Each scene has to be taken from several angles---grueling work! A local filmmaking student worked with us and is filming our spring project that we will be presenting as a movie night in May. Join in the fun---we have several great acting camps, workshops, and classes that we will be offering this summer. Check with the director of your region to get a schedule!

Successful Creative Parenting.....

2011-04-05T21:22:00.001-04:00

Taken from Joanne Bath's studio notes:

Joanne Bath

THE P's OF SUCCESSFUL PARENTING:

Positive Parental Involvement
Play
Posture for fun!
Practice things together
Positive environment
Praise
Participation
Peers
Play music
Persist

THE C's OF SUCCESSFUL PARENTING:

Cheer
Congratulate
Change
Conquer
Challenge
Contemplate
be Considerate
be Consistent
be Creative
be Calm
be Cognizant
be in Control
be Confident

Ballet in Cinema!!! Not to miss!

2011-04-04T21:51:00.000-04:00

Be sure to check out www.balletincinema.com! This is a great opportunity to see professional performances at wonderful prices! See if there is a cinema in your area that will be showing one soon. These are not old performances--they are shown in the theatres sometimes within hours of the stage performance!

Many of these are even shown LIVE!!! Your children will love them!

This Weekend W/ Your Kids.....

2011-04-01T19:01:00.001-04:00

Do something fun and creative with your children this weekend! Here are a couple of fun ideas:

MEMENTO STEPPING STONE...

With a small bag of cement mix just enough to go into a large pot saucer. Before you pour it in line the saucer with plastic wrap. Pour the mixed cement in and then have fun adding fun mementos from a vacation, trip, fun hobby, etc.--small toys or trinkets work great. After 24-48 hours it will be ready for your yard/garden!

NATURE WALK BRACELET:

Take a wide piece of masking tape and put it around each child's wrist with the sticky side facing out. Take a nature walk and as they find fun treasures they can stick it on their "bracelet". When you get home they can put it up on a bulletin board as a special reminder of their fun time with you!

Enjoy your weekend---be CREATIVE!!

Summer is Coming.....

2011-03-31T11:41:00.001-04:00

Summer Workshop fun..check out the costumes we made!

With the beautiful spring weather comes visions of wonderful summer plans here at LPCW! Be sure to contact your area's director to find out all the wonderful offerings available for Summer 2011......we have workshops, camps, classes, birthday parties! It is going to be the best summer ever----don't miss it!

Summer is a great time to continue learning; creativity is always needing to be nurtured in young children---and dance and theatre are wonderful ways to do that. Physical fitness and agility, creative thinking, critical thinking, and expression---just a few of the skills that are covered in this art form.

We hope to see you soon for Summer 2011!

20 Years Later.......

2011-03-28T15:46:00.002-04:00

Being involved with teaching dance to young children brings back all of the wonderful memories of when I was that age and learning to dance. 20 years later, the skills and simple techniques that I learned at that young age are still useful for me today. The other day while my hands were full of groceries, I balanced a 12-pack of diet cokes on my leg while I fished my keys out of my purse to open my car door. The balancing act was entertaining for the people around me, I'm sure, but I was proud of myself for making it work. I didn't drop a thing! Imagining an invisible straight line going down the center of my body in order to keep myself balanced is something I learned from my dance teacher when I was 3 years old, and I will never forget it. The lessons we learn at that young age follow us into adulthood and become part of who we are and how we think. So, acquiring the ability to think creatively and exercise that ability through movement in dance is one of the best things a child can do at that age.

~ Southern New Hampshire University Student/LPCW Dance Teacher

Marching into Spring

2011-02-28T08:08:00.004-05:00

It's getting closer and closer to spring and up here in Central New York the snow is beginning to melt (hope I didn't jinx it!) but our love for the arts is growing and growing! It has been so wonderful to watch the students growth through the arts. This month while posting pictures for parents who have students in class I decided to take a look back at pictures from their first class in September ... My goodness! What growth and development! In the beginning "parallel first" was a new concept that took quite a bit of effort to execute correctly. Now, when we stand up on our carpets the student's feet magically know where to be! Terms like "Tendu" and "Echappe" are now part of the children's vocabulary. These classical ballet terms may not be a part of our children's every day use, but soon as they step into class they know exactly what it is, how do do it, and how to pronounce it! Their ability to grow and learn is just amazing and usually it passes us right by. How wonderful it was to go back, critically look at, and appreciate just how much our children learn, and want to learn each day. I'm so thankful for the role that the arts play in this magical development!

SCHOOL OF THE MONTH

2011-02-03T13:03:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Carolina Montessori, Charlotte Mecklenburg's current school of the month. We have really enjoyed adding them onto our list of schools this year. They have outstanding parent involvement and feedback, which makes our jobs with LPCW easier and fun! Ms. Norma, the director, also plays a key part in our success at Carolina Montessori. She always helps getting the dancers to and from class and helps us keep a great line of communication to the parents. LPCW prides itself on being self sufficient without having the get director's involved during their busy schedules, but Ms. Norma's help is greatly appreciated and valued.

As you can see above, the dancers were super excited about being school of the month. Their enthusiasm for LPCW is contagious! Congratulations Carolina Montessori, you earned it. Thanks so much for being a part of out theatre arts family!!

Quote from Carolina Montessori Student (when learning the names of our muscles):
Ms. Stephanie, good thing we are working on our muscles I begin my training next month to be a super hero!!

New Beginnings!

2011-01-10T14:14:00.010-05:00

I love welcoming in the New Year. Yes it's sad to leave the memories of the past year, but sometimes it is nice to have a fresh start. Everyone has been so eager to get back to dance class over the past week. The excited "we missed you" hugs have been great. An awesome way to greet 2011! We have been hard at work getting ready for our Parent "Informance" at the end of January. We have been reviewing our favorite lessons and dance steps from previous months as well as adding on a few new things. It is nice to see what the classes have mastered so far, and see them work so hard to accomplish the new stuff. Sometimes learning new steps can be challenging. For example, we have added on PAS DE CHAT meaning "step of the cat". A student asked, "Are you sure cat's jump like this?" She was having a hard time getting the knee knee jump to work. In time, this step along with others will be conquered and then we will move onto the next stepping block to ensure that we are growing and learning. So as we are welcoming in the New Year, look back on what has been accomplished and feel proud, but be excited for what new things are on the horizon and the obstables we will have to conquer that make us stronger.

Happy New Year to you all!

LPCW student mentioned above pictured mastering 1-2-3- Balance.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GODDARD SCHOOL-INDIAN TRAIL

2010-12-02T13:46:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Charlotte-Meck.'s School of the Month, The Goddard School in Indian Trail. They just added our program this fall and loving it. We feel so welcomed by the staff every week, even though we may have to take over their classroom. We had a great time this week getting into the spirit of the holiday's with our Reindeer Prances and Wooden Soldier Marches. The dancers at The Goddard School were so excited about their soldier red cheeks they kept them on to show their teachers after class. Oh, the excitement and magic of this time of year. How FUN!!

Tatiana loves the class and I love seeing her moves when she comes home! - Kiana B. Goddard School Parent

Things to be Thankful For!

2010-11-22T11:32:00.005-05:00

How quickly the fall has seemed to breeze on by! Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it is such a beautiful time of year.

This month during classes we were in a Thanksgiving wonderland! We 'painted' what we're thankful for using large body movements, shared a Thanksgiving dinner together, and even danced in a reservation! While spending this month celebrating Thanksgiving the students helped me reflect on and realize all that we have to be thankful for! Here are a couple of examples from class:

"I'm thankful that my Mommy cooks dinner. Daddy only cooks Spaghetti-o's."

"I'm thankful that my sister has her own Buzz Lightyear." Me, "Why's that?" "Because now she doesn't try to put mine in dresses!"

"I'm thankful that I have slippers that keep my toes warm."

"I'm thankful for the Secret Dancing Place." Me, "Fantastic! Why?" "Because I like getting there on an ambulance. Mom never lets me ride in one!"

I learned we can be thankful for EVERYTHING in our lives. Not only friends and family, the arts, and happy memories ... but our favorite Buzz Lightyear toys and the fact that our Mom's cook! As long as it makes us happy, we better be thankful for it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Balance, Flexibility, and Coordination

2010-10-25T08:11:00.004-04:00

What an amazing month October has turned out to be! Our students have LOVED the classes and have had so much fun they haven't even noticed how their balance, flexibility, and coordination have improved! It's spectacular to see the growth of students, and their growth is abundantly clear in just a couple of the moves we learned this month. Let's take one student for example:

During our first lesson in October we learned how to stretch our arms and legs while balancing on our bottoms. We stretch out, say, "Hello!" and then crumple up into a ball saying, "Goodbye!" all while balancing on our bottoms. Needless to say this is pretty tough for young ones. It not only requires balance, flexibility, and coordination but the heavy use of their abdominal muscles. During our first class she rested on her arms, rolled onto her back, and continued to touch her feet to the ground for stability. We kept at it though! After a couple of weeks of practice, continued encouragement, and reminders of what our muscles should feel like while balancing she now is able to do the stretch beautifully while balancing, all while pointing her toes!! Isn't the picture above just beautiful! Fantastic job!!

It's great achievements like this that prove how important it is to keep on trying! Our students learn this important lesson during class and are able to transcribe it to their every day lives. Giving up is not an option. Not in dance class and definitely not during their school work. We teach not only balance, flexibility, and coordination but life skills that will continue to shine through in each of our students' lives!

I can't wait for November and all of the great times it will bring us!

Happy Fall!

2010-10-21T18:15:00.002-04:00

Happy Fall from the Philly Region! Our classes are underway and it is so great to see all of our returning dancers and to meet all of our new dancers! There is nothing better than seeing returning students who are so excited to start class and who spread that enthusiasm to the new students joining us!

One of our favorite activities by far this month is our Hansel and Gretel story! Our little ones love "cleaning" our classroom and then going out and playing and dancing in the woods. We are noticing a lot of fun fall stuff in our journeys through the woods. One of our little boys noticed how all of the leaves were changing and falling all over the forest. He also told us to be very careful while we were dancing so we didn't slip on any of the leaves and fall down! We also are learning to be very, very sneaky and quiet as we tip-toe up to the candy house and munch on some of our favorite candies!

We are also finding out this month how important it is to warm up our muscles before we begin dancing. Our little ones are learning how to sit up "straighto greato" and follow along as we stretch out our muscles and warm up before we start dancing. We love riding our bicycles in the air and walking the tightrope with tiptoes!

Our students are all looking forward to Halloween and trick-or-treating at the end of the month. They have been "painting" pictures with their imaginations of their costumes and fun Halloween things like candy and carving pumpkins. We have also done our good-bye dance at the end of class with everyone dancing like their costumes have come to life! What a fun mix of princesses, fairies, super heroes, and animals! Our dancers really know how to use their imaginations and make creative dances to go along with whatever our theme is for the month!!

Happy Fall Everyone!!
-Ashley O'Neill

Going Batty for the Fall!

2010-10-20T12:05:00.002-04:00

Classes are underway in Northern Virginia and we are off to a great start! I always enjoy the beginning of a new session; getting to meet new friends and giving hugs to the returning students.

This a great time to start with the basics of dance- good placement, balance, and foot positions-and our dancers are doing a great job! Its so nice to see dancers on their carpet squares with perfect "straighto greato" backs and showing great body placement. I especially love when I am reminded to sit "straighto greato" by one of my students.

Even though we are working hard on establishing techniques, we are always enhancing our creative thinking. Our students love closing their eyes and using their bodies to paint beautiful pictures. Its great to see them really concentrate on painting to the music. They are also doing a great job, using their bodies to make shapes at "The Shape Shop". We are having fun with everything, but the most fun so far is the "Batty Bat Dance"; our dancers are having such a great time putting on their bat wings, flying like bats and of course doing bat hops! This is a great dance and a fun way to learn to count in threes. With dances like this, its no wonder we are going Batty for the fall!

We are looking forward to learning more dance moves and getting ready for the holidays!!

Happy Fall!
~Miss Jenn~

Greetings from Central New York!

2010-10-12T07:34:00.003-04:00

What a fantastic fall we're having here in New York! The leaves are all changing bright reds, oranges, and yellows ... just gorgeous! The new program is up and running with some absolutely wonderful students! I must say I already see the benefit of the program with a couple of the little ones and would love to share one story!

One of our little ones happens to be very shy. In the first class she did not want to participate at all. It was even hard to get a smile! Five weeks in and she's now participating, and I must say her technique is fantastic! Her school teachers have informed me that she has been dancing in her classroom between lessons and reaching out to more children since she started with LPCW. How amazing and rewarding!

We're so excited for October and the new centers that are signing on. We look forward to many more stories like this one!

Happy dancing! Happy fall!

Greenville, NC Happenings!

2010-10-11T22:15:00.000-04:00

We've had a great start to the year! Many new schools have been added and our schedules are filling up! It has been great to see faces from last year; as well as all the new ones in class. We are moving into our favorite time of year---the holidays are so much fun in class. It's not too late to register---so feel free to give us a ring if your child wishes to join us. We want to welcome our newest schools to the program this year--and we're so glad you have joined us!

2010-10-05T15:35:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Charlotte Montessori for being our featured school of the month. They have been with LPCW since we started in the Charlotte region. We really enjoy working with their faculty, parents, and most importantly children. They give high praises to our curriculum and presentation of our program. Thanks Charlotte Montessori for your continued support.

2010-09-21T14:59:00.008-04:00

We have had a great start to our year here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. It is so exciting meeting new faces and getting reacquainted with old ones. As part of our introduction to our classes we have everyone jump up and grab a smile when their name is called and sit back down in pretzel position. Because children are so excited about our classes, they are already wearing a smile before I even arrive. As I was leaving my first class last week, I began thinking. Did I start my day by reaching up and grabbing my smile? Something so simple, but very effective. Sometimes we have so many other things going on in our lives we forget to think about our many blessings and what makes us put on that happy face. I was also reminded of these blessings this past weekend as one of my LPCW students, who is also a close friend, lost everything to a house fire. Forunately they are safe. I will see her in the morning in class, and I hope reaching up to grab a smile will help make her day!! So as you start your day tomorrow, take a little of our LPCW curriculum with you. Think about what puts a smile on your face, and put it on as you leave for the day. We are sending you smiles and good wishes from Charlotte!

Ms. Stephanie

New Region in New York!!!

2010-08-12T08:04:00.005-04:00

We are so excited to announce the opening of our new region in the Central New York Area! What a wonderful area to be a part of---and with a wonderful Regional Director, Annie Latterell. Annie Latterell has trained in dance for 16 years in New York State. She graduated Cum Laude from SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children and Childhood Education earning teaching certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education. Annie has been a featured performer in three musicals in Elmira, N.Y., and won the award for Best Overall Performance at the Stars of Tomorrow dance competition. She co-managed an after school Drama Club for students at Southside Academy Charter School in Syracuse, N.Y. Annie loves the theatre arts and is so excited about bringing her special love of dance to young children here in Central NY. Welcome, Annie!

Spring is here!!

2010-04-26T11:03:00.004-04:00

Normally, we are not THIS excited for warm weather, but SPRING IS HERE!! No more snow, gloves, winter colds or long sleeves!! We are so excited for Spring in Northern Virginia and Richmond and it really shows in our classes!

We are having a blast with our April lesson plan, we are learning so many new dance moves and concepts. One of the things we are learning is "pantomime"- doing movement or actions with-out using our voices-which is kind of tricky for some dancers to do. They are doing a great job "turning off their voices" and using their body to show an action.

We are also doing puddle-jumps this month, which is fun to watch because we challenge the dancers to get over the puddle anyway they would like, it so surprising to see what our dancers come up with when they are asked to create their own movement. My favorite are the dancers who try to tumble or cartwheel over the puddle. How creative!!

We are looking forward to more spring weather and showing off our new moves next month at parent observation. (May 24-28th) We hope to see everyone there!

Happy Spring!

Jennifer Delfin, Northern Virginia

March Madness!

2010-03-10T11:06:00.003-05:00

Whoa! We've had a very interesting month in Northern Virginia and Richmond!

We are still recovering from missing almost two weeks of classes due to the blizzard, so this month we are doing both March dances and mixing in some February cirriculum too. Classes are getting to do Shamrock leaps, the Hand Jive and our new favorite "The Any Way You Feel Dance." This dance asks students to listen to different music selections and dance anyway the music make you feel, (happy, sad, angry, silly etc.) and our dancers really know how to express themselves!! My favorite is when the music sounds angry, and the dancers get to stomp around, cross thier arms and show their best angry face.

This month has been a little hectic with make-up classes, but we are enjoying extra classes and seeing our dancers more than once a week. Thank you for your patience as we make-up classes this month.

Spring is almost here!

~Jennifer Delfin, Northern Virginia~

Valentine's Day!

2010-02-15T11:20:00.002-05:00

February is a fantastic month in our classes! All of the dancers are enjoying learning a bunch of new curriculum and are doing an amazing job :) I hope over the weekend maybe some of your valentine's showed you our "heart arms" and "heart hops". The hand jive, which many us older ones know from the musical Grease, is a lot to remember for our little ones but they are doing a great job with and I know by the end of February they will be able to do it faster than all of us older ones!! We are really moving throughout the space in the month of February and our dancers are doing a wonderful job using their bodies is many different aspects of dance such as the tempo dance.

Parent Observations went fabulously in the Philly area and the dancers can't wait for the next "Informance" in May!

Parent Observation are under way!!

2010-01-26T15:10:00.003-05:00

Parent Observations are under way at LPCW! Our students have really been looking forward to this all month and they are finally here! We hope everyone will be able to see what we have been working on since September. Also, we want to hear your feedback, so in your child's tution envelope will be a survey. Please fill it and return to the LPCW bag in your center.

So far, the informances have been a great success. Its always so interetsing to see how different children react to the new experience of performing in front of an audience. Some of our normally outgoing children become timid, quieter students seem to find their inner performer or some students don't seem to notice the audience at all-any and all of this reactions are completely normal.

So far, my favorite informance moment would have to be when one of my dancers decided not only to particpate in class, but to also show her brother in the audience how to dance also. So as I'm teaching I can hear her in her perfect "Miss Jenn voice" repeating all the instructions to her brother! It was so awesome. Who knows, we might have a new LPCW instructor in a few years!!

We hope you enjoy this weeks performances! We look forward to hearing your feedback!

Happy Winter!

Jennifer Delfin, Northern Virginia

Here Comes Santa!

2009-12-17T06:34:00.002-05:00

Santa will definitely be making his stop to the Philly Region! All our little ones have been very nice this month(like every month!). They have been making sure to show Rudolph where their house is with their magnificent tendus and enthusiastic holiday inspired jack in the boxes!

The children have been doing such a great job with counting to eight this month we learned four and four make eight! Including our counting into our count bounce song has made our little ones into excellent counters.

We've been going to the Toy Shop all month and having SO much fun sneaking around and playing with all the toys! It tough to chose which is everyone's favorite between the spinning dreidels and stiff robots.

The jingle bells have ringing for Santa and the children have been doing a merrily job pulling Santa's sleigh around the North Pole and getting it all ready for his big trip! This by far is my favorite exercise we do across the floor. Seeing all the little ones as reindeer, with their hooves under their chins and pointed prancing toes fills me with Christmas joy!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of Santa's little helpers in the Philly Region!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-11T11:25:00.003-05:00

We are so excited for the Holidays in Northern Virginia! Now that we've had some winter weather, its really starting to feel like the season!

There is nothing more fitting for this time of year than dancing and learning about "The Nutcracker", which we are really enjoying! Its so nice to see how excited the dancers get when they hear that familiar music. We are having a lot of fun dancing like the characters; jerky/sharp like the nutcracker, sneaky like the mouse king, serious like the wooden soldiers or even beautiful and graceful like Clara. Our dancers have been doing such a great job with being able to show different movement qualities, which is so impressive at this age!

In addition to all the Holiday dancing, we are still doing a great job with our ballet terminology. I recieved such a great compliment from a grandparent who let me know how impressed she was that her little dancer not only knew the names of positions, but could show her them with good technique. It puts a smile on my face to know how much these dancers are learning!

Please have a safe and Happy Holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

A Time to Give Thanks

2009-11-19T07:03:00.002-05:00

I always never like to see class end but this month the goodbye dance is my favorite time of class. We are teaching our little ones about all the things they are thankful, not only during this time of year but always. It's wonderful to hear so many wonderful repsonses from our little ones what they are thankful for.

Many of them tell me how thankful they are for their families, friends, food, teachers, house and friends. I love this repsonse......my mom and dad because they love me and......they buy me toys! This to me tells me that they are thankful for their toys, which they should be, but they are thinking of other things first!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving :) ~Philly

Our favorite time of year

2009-11-11T13:06:00.003-05:00

This is our absolute favorite time of year! Not only is it a beautiful time of year, the leaves are changing, the weather is mild but we also get to do one of our favorite movement stories- "The Painter and the Elves"!

I have spoken with my teachers and we all agree that there is something about "The Painter and the Elves" that our students just love! They can barely hold their excitement in, once they stack those carpet squares and know that it almost movement story time. ITS SO MUCH FUN!

Not only are they having fun with the stories, but this time of year is so exciting because we are learning so many new dance terms and some pretty tricky dance moves. Now that we got our tendues, we are moving on to posse's and boy does that take some balance!

With this movement story, the new terms we are learning and the holidays right around the corner, it is no surprise that this is our favorite time of the year!

Happy Fall!!

O, O, O.....

2009-10-14T13:52:00.002-04:00

Everyone has been having such a wonderful time with the little "o" and all his adverntures! It's so much fun taking an adventure with the little "o" and some of his other alphabet friends :) We have been having a blast in Philly!

We are also enjoying Mr. Squirel who comes and visit's us. Everyone is doing an excellent job showing Mr. Squiel where to hide his nuts for the winter time with their tendus :)

Fun Fall! (NORTHERN VA/RICHMOND)

2009-10-12T11:44:00.003-04:00

The first week in the October lesson plan was so much fun! I am so proud of my students, they are retaining so much information! By using the Ballet Flashcards, students can already regconize First Position, Releve and Grand Plie! I am very impressed. We are also really enjoying the "Letter O" movement story, its so much fun to guess what letter he will turn into next! We are becoming galloping experts and will start to gallop backwards this week!

Remember to make sure your email is current with our offices, we are communicating mostly though email this year and would not want you to miss out on any information!

Happy Fall!

Philly!

2009-09-30T19:25:00.002-04:00

September flew by in the Philly region! Everyone has had such a wonderful and fun start to the year. We are a little disappointed that it has come to such a quick end. I told my classes today that it was going to be the last day we were going to be Astronauts and one little dancer looked up at me and said "But Miss Liz, I've had such a fun time being an astronaut I don't want it to end" :(. I told her that I had a lot of fun being an astronaut too but we have to try many different things and that we have a lot more stories to explore and become many different things! She got so excited and said "I can't wait" and "Me either!" I said :)

LPCW Western NY

2009-09-29T14:05:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that September is almost over! Classes are exciting and going great in the Western NY region. The kids are doing an awesome job and are really enjoying class this month. Some of the kids really get into the tornado dance! They like to pretend that we are scaring the wicked witch away when we make the tornadoes! How cute!

I had a parent e-mail me today to tell me how her daughter is always telling her "No banana backs Mommy!" It is really neat to see the kids pick up on the material and apply it outside of class.

The staff in the Western NY region is looking forward to having a GREAT October!

LPCW-Northern Virginia

2009-09-18T13:13:00.004-04:00

Classes are well under way in the Northern Virginia and Richmond areas! We are so excited about the fall session. We even have some dancers in their dance clothes the on "non-dance" days, because they want to be ready when we come!

Our new teachers, Miss Katie and Miss Adelle, are having so much fun getting to know their students. They are doing an excellent job and we are getting great feedback from directors, teachers and parents about their classes. They are eager to meet parents, so please do not hesitate to say hello if you see them in your centers.

Also, we are very excited to announce that we are adding birthday parties to our list of services in the Northern Virginia area. If you are interested in having one of our teachers come and host a birthday party for your child, please contact our office- (703) 830-4008. Look for more information at your child's center--Coming soon.

Happy Fall!

September 16, 2009

2009-09-16T13:25:00.002-04:00

This month seems to by flying by! We have had our first full week of fall classes and it's wonderful to see everyone back from summer and those we missed from the summer as well :) Today in one of our classes I had some children who danced throughout the summer telling the other little dancers on everything they missed on :( But I reassured the whole class that we will even be having MORE fun this year ecspecially with all of our exciting stories!!!

2009-09-13T21:05:00.003-04:00

We have had a great start with our demo classes this past week in the Charlotte Mecklenburg region. To say there are some excited parents and dancers to have LPCW starting up again would be an understatement. For example, Carly who has been a part of our program over the last year and throughout the summer just had to bring her dance clothes to registration. She wanted to ensure she was wouldn't miss out on all the fun!! She was serious about registering. It's students like this that make what we do worthwhile. Their enthusiasm is contagious!! We can't wait for the year ahead here in our region. Impacting a child's life through the arts, and having fun doing it, is such a great opportunity!

Fall Registration

2009-07-17T07:39:00.002-04:00

LPCW Fall registration will begin in just a couple of short weeks! We will begin registering for our 2009-2010 season of classes the first week in August. Don't miss it! We are already having many parents call and want to register---so some classes may fill up quickly. We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and we hope to see your child in class this fall!

Summer Dance Camp!

2009-07-13T07:12:00.002-04:00

In just a few weeks we will be hosting our Summer Dance Camp for ages 3-5 in Greenville, NC. It is a wonderful, fun week of dance, pantomime, acting, making props and costumes and then using them in an original piece, watching children's theatre presentations, learning about dance history, and much more! At the end of the week the campers present a special class just for family and friends to watch---if you have a child aged 3-5 years-old you will not want them to miss it!

It has been a wonderful summer for LPCW so far. It is hard to believe that over half the summer has already flown by. We have been learning lots of wonderful, new things.

We Must All Work...

2009-05-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe--a moment that never was before or never will be again. And what do we teach our children in school? We teach them that 2 and 2 are four and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are?

We should say to each of them: 'Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the world there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed, there has never been a child like you. And look at your body---what a wonder it is! Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move!

You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must cherish one another.'

We must all work---to make this world worthy of its children."

- Pablo Casals

Lehigh Valley Story on LPCW

2009-04-22T18:23:00.003-04:00

During demo classes today a reporter from the Lehigh Valley Times came and did a story on Little People's Creative Workshop---here's the link:

Link to story

Dance workshop

Added by Bill Adams on April 22, 2009 at 11:51 AM

Teacher Liz Story shows children how to stretch their legs and shake their feet Tuesday at the Little Peoples’ Dance Workshop at the Family YMCA Early Childhood Development Center in Forks Township. Express-Times Photo | BILL ADAMS

Tags: dance workshop | Family YMCA Early Childhood Development Center | Little Peoples' Dance Workshop | Liz Story

This photo is part of the Day in Photos April 22, 2009 gallery

School Teachers' Comments on Benefits of Dance

2009-03-18T13:22:00.002-04:00

A few comments from teachers---and how they think dance benefits a child's education:

“Dance for children is much needed-- along with physical education, because it explores their potential in movement ... on any size, shape, or color of body.”
“I get a lot of feedback from classroom teachers who say, ‘I can tell these children have been with you and had dance because they are more assertive — not aggressive, but more assertive in their thinking and being able to share their thoughts.’”
“Dance is a good experience for children who have a hard time sitting down. Once they come to dance and burn off some of that energy, they can focus on more sequential, factual information.”
“Boys do like to dance. I start them off using the word ‘movement.’ Some boys are beautiful at movement. They get to explore that. Girls widen their perspective. They see that it is not just one style — dance is about what you think, what you feel, what you see.”

Dance Teachers and Director Needed....

2009-03-16T15:30:00.001-04:00

We are searching for a preschool dance instructor in the Philadelphia suburban area; as well as western NJ area with Little People's Creative Workshop. Our program is expanding quickly! If you (or anyone you know) is interested---be sure to send your resume and cover letter to: LPCWphilly@aol.com It is a great opportunity for anyone that loves dance and young children. Don't miss out! Pass the word.

Little People's Creative Workshop is also looking for an individual to fill a Regional Director position in the Raleigh, NC area. Resumes need to be submitted by April 15th to: LPCW@me.com This position oversees the program and instructs classes. Great opportunity!

Our New Northern NY Regional Director

2009-03-13T18:25:00.003-04:00

Welcome, Jaymie!

Jaymie Boudreau, a native of Elmira, NY, graduated with her B.A. in dance from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. While at JMU she performed with the Virginia Repertory Dance Company and the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. Jaymie has continued her performance career in the professional outdoor drama productions of Theatre West Virginia and as a touring member of the West Virginia Dance Company. She has been a teacher and choreographer for many years and is looking forward to sharing her love of dance and theatre with children. She is excited to become a dance educator and the Northern New York Regional Director of Little People’s Creative Workshop.

Benefits of Dance in the Early Years.....

2009-03-11T10:42:00.001-04:00

Physical Development

• Moving safely, imaginatively and with confidence

• Moving with bodily control, co-ordination, flexibility and balance

• The development of spatial awareness

• Dancing with props; developing manipulative skills

• Experiencing a range of gross motor movements and fine motor movements

• Keeping healthy - dance as part of a healthy lifestyle

Creative Development

• Communicating ideas, thoughts and feelings non-verbally through movement

• Using the imagination to create ideas, characters and narratives

• Making movement responses

• Having an enjoyable, exciting and motivating time

• Working individually, with a partner and as part of a group

• Developing trust and co-operation

• Selecting and using movement ideas independently and with others

• Exploring feelings and views of self and others - including other cultures and beliefs

• Accepting the moral code on which discipline and courtesy within the group is based

• Interacting with a new social group

Communication, Language and Literacy Development

• The use of sounds, music, words, poems, rhymes, texts and stories as stimuli for, and

accompaniment to dance

• The use of language to imagine and recreate roles and ideas in the dance

• Interaction - negotiating plans and activities and developing conversational skills

• Appreciation - talking about personal dance performance

• Observation - talking about the dance performance of others

• Developing a vocabulary of movemen

Dance for Young Children Being Used in Many Powerful Ways...

2009-03-10T10:55:00.001-04:00

Nationwide we are finding that dance for children is now being used as a method of treating social, emotional, cognitive, and physical problems. Throughout the ages, people of many cultures have used dance to express powerful emotions, tell stories, treat illness, celebrate important events, and maintain communal bonds. Dancing harnesses this power of movement in a comfortable setting and uses it to promote personal growth, health, and well-being.

Quality dance programs for children are based on the premise that the body and mind are interrelated. Many dance therapists believe that mental and emotional problems are often held in the body in the form of muscle tension and constrained movement patterns. Conversely, studies have shown that the state of the body can affect attitude and feelings, both positively and negatively.

Dance movements promote healing in a number of ways. Moving as a group brings children of all ages out of isolation, creates powerful social and emotional bonds, and generates the good feelings that come from being with others. Moving rhythmically eases muscular rigidity, diminishes anxiety, and increases energy. Moving spontaneously helps children learn to recognize and trust their impulses, and to act on or contain them as they choose. Moving creatively encourages self-expression and opens up new ways of thinking and doing.

On a purely physical level, dance provides the benefits of exercise: improved health, well-being, coordination, and muscle tone. On an emotional level, it helps children feel more joyful and confident, and allows them to explore such issues as anger, frustration, and loss that may be too difficult to explore verbally. On a mental level, dance seeks to enhance cognitive learning.

Dance has a broad range of health benefits. It has been demonstrated to be clinically effective at improving body image, self-esteem, attentiveness, and communication skills. It can also reduce stress, fears and anxieties, as well as lessen feelings of isolation, body tension, chronic pain, and depression. In addition it can enhance the functioning of the body's circulatory and respiratory systems.

Dance has also been shown to benefit adolescent and adult psychiatric patients, the learning disabled, the visually and hearing impaired, the mentally handicapped.

Your Child's Development and Dance....

2009-03-09T23:00:00.002-04:00

Children naturally communicate through movement. They express their fears, excitement, and all other emotions with movement. LPCW classes for young children focuses on the following:

* developing creativity
* expressing emotion
* building social skills
* encouraging independence
* building their self-confidence
* stimulating mental processes
* enhancing their physical development
* expanding their rhythmic and body awareness

These young years are so important---and the very time to encourage these traits. These are building blocks for the rest of their life, that will be used and needed in every arena. So many studies have proven the benefit of dance and a child's development: mental, physical, and emotional. Children who have participated in dance/music/theatre from a young age score better on SAT's, have better attention spans, are creative problem-solvers, and are more well-balanced and adjusted. These are just a few of the benefits children reap from participating in the arts. Parents that invest in their children with these classes are making the wisest investment around!

More Benefits of Dance for Young Children:

2009-03-06T21:52:00.001-05:00

Here is a great article by Rachel Kemp, dance teacher:

Benefits of Dance, by Rachel Kemp

Toddlers love to move, stretch and jump. Teachers can introduce kids to new ways of moving their little bodies in entertaining and constructive ways. All forms of dance, and creative movement can be very beneficial. Kids should be introduced to exercise and physical exercise as early as possible. It might take a little more money, but in the long run it can pay off. Introducing your child to dance is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

Dance promotes discipline, coordination, memory, flexibility, strength, line, grace and stamina. Performing builds positive self-esteem and confidence, helps with other sports, and is just great fun! All kids are capable of relating and understanding basic techniques that are shown to them and demonstrated properly.

The vocabulary they learn through dance can help them express themselves through movement and naturally incorporate it into their lives. Signing your child up in dance as soon as possible can be a great thing for him/her.

As long as children can listen and stay focused, no age is too young to get them started. Of course, forcing children into any activity is never healthy. It’s important to observe how they respond.

As children get older and more serious, the length of the class and the amount of class per week may increase. Again, it might mean more running around for you, but if your child is fortunate enough to find something he or she loves to do, it’s well worth the extra time and money. My parents ran around for me 4-5 times a week to participate in many classes, I don't know how they did it, but I’m so grateful, because I am now blessed to be making a living doing what I love.

Remember the 4 D’s: DISCIPLINE, DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, DESIRE. Dance class can help your child conquer all four.

Mind and Body Benefits of Dance for Children

2009-03-03T10:04:00.001-05:00

ARTICLE

Dance provides youth with mind and body benefits

By Debra Strickland

FamilyTalk Magazine, March/April Edition 2006

Many different types of dance classes are available for children, from modern dance,

ballet, tap and jazz to dance that celebrates unique ethnic and cultural traditions. What’s

the most important thing for parents to keep in mind when choosing a dance class? It’s

that research has proven that dance provides physical, developmental and artistic benefits

to your child.

Physical Benefits - Students build muscle strength while increasing flexibility. Young

dancers develop a sense of balance and improve agility and coordination. Importantly,

children also develop body awareness and learn correct posture.

These benefits extend beyond a student’s involvement with dance, helping youth involved

in other disciplines, such as sports and martial arts. Studies have shown that physical

activity helps children relieve stress and feel relaxed. It also is a great way to help your

child develop a positive lifelong attitude about staying active and healthy.

Developmental Benefits - Dance classes are fun and a great way to meet new friends.

Young dancers develop essential social skills through interaction with other students.

Group choreography fosters teamwork, communication, trust and cooperation. Dance

also has been proven to nurture important life skills, such as discipline and focus.

Dancers naturally display confidence, self-esteem and poise. These skills are developed

through participating in dance performances.

Artistic Benefits – One of the greatest benefits of dance is that it sparks a child’s

imagination and nurtures individual creativity in a unique way. Dance classes share the

joy of physical self-expression in a supportive and structured setting. This can have a

positive impact on children who have limited physical abilities, who act out or who have a

difficult time sitting still. Involving children in dance also teaches the basic elements of

creative movement, such as time, space, rhythm and design.

While people may not be as familiar with modern dance as with ballet or jazz, modern

dance in particular honors the creative spirit and celebrates the individual. Modern dance

does not simply conform to conventional movements, shapes and patterns. Instead, it

requires the young dancer to learn movement from the inside out, nurturing the body and

focusing the mind. This form of dance especially is welcoming to children of all shapes,

sizes and genders.

There is one final reason to get your child dancing. Research proves there is a strong link

between involvement in the arts and increased educational achievement. In fact, one

study showed that “students who participate in the arts are not only more likely to

participate in a math and science fair, but also out-perform their peers on the SATs by 87

points” (www.artsusa.org). These educational benefits are gained by students regardless

of their socioeconomic status.

There’s sure to be a dance class that fits your child’s interests and your schedule, so why

wait? Enroll your child in a dance class. The lessons she or he learns will last a lifetime.

Debra Strickland is the executive director of Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, southwest

Michigan’s only professional modern dance company. Debra holds a Master of Public

Administration degree from Western Michigan University and has been passionate about

working in the arts and women’s issues for nearly a decade.

2009-03-02T10:01:00.002-05:00

Great Spring Opportunity.....

2009-03-02T09:44:00.002-05:00

Classes are in full swing and with the weather we have had lately it is so important for children to get exercise! Dance is such a healthy form of exercise for any age---and is a wonderful outlet during the turbulent, unpredictable weather that we experience in spring, when many children do not get to go out and play. Just because there are only 3 months left in the regular season---it is not too late to register for dance. When you register your child for dance you are giving them a wonderful gift!

Red Hot Franchises to Feature Little People's Creative Workshop!

2009-02-24T17:25:00.003-05:00

Red Hot Franchises will featuring Little People's Creative Workshop beginning next week! LPCW was founded in 1991 by Daune Pitman and has grown to be the largest organization in the nation teaching dance to young children. LPCW has grown to over 10 locations nationwide, covering 6 states; and will be continuing expansion and growth through franchising beginning in March 2009! Lots of exciting things are happening around here!

Upcoming Summer Programs.....

2009-02-23T17:52:00.003-05:00

We are in the process are putting together the Little People's Creative Workshop Summer Program! Whew! Can you believe it is already time to start thinking of summer? Don't let your child miss out --- we will be offering lots of great choices this summer. There will be 10 week summer sessions and 1 week Dance Camps. We also offer 1 week Acting Camps for ages 6-14. Check with your area's director to see what your choices for summer fun and learning will be!

Notes from One of Our Directors:

2009-02-19T19:14:00.004-05:00

As a dancer and performer since the age of three, I cannot think of a better way for young children to explore movement, enhance creativity, and build self-confidence than through dance classes. I have taught many age groups and with many companies, but Little People’s Creative Workshop provides a completely rewarding experience.

Dance and LPCW, is more than just another form of exercise for the children, it provides an exploration into the arts that all children should be exposed to. Through LPCW, children are able to learn how to use their bodies as a form of expression and a possible outlet for creative thinking. Learning this at an early age can provide life long benefits for our students; such as better problem solving skills, more self confidence and of-course better coordination.

Personally, there are few things more rewarding than being able to see a child’s creative mind grow and see them move and explore on their own. I enjoy seeing children approach the lessons in a completely different way than I expected them to and everyday is a surprise! I have grown as a dancer with LPCW because it caused me to look at movement from a child like perspective; giving me a new approach to dance.

I look forward to continue to share my love for dance with young children through Little People’s Creative Workshop.

~Jennifer Delfin, LPCW Northern Virginia Regional Director

A New LPCW Region to Open in the Fall.....

2009-02-18T21:58:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to announce that we will be opening a new LPCW region this fall. Ms. Jaymie Boudreau will be directing and overseeing our new Northern New York Region. We are in the process of getting everything set-up and ready to go---we may even be able to start classes in the summer! We have had great interest and requests from the area and everyone there can hardly wait for classes to get going. Welcome Aboard, Jaymie!

Investing in Your Children with Live Performances....

2009-02-12T11:44:00.002-05:00

If you are a parent of a little one we cannot understate the importance of taking your child to performances that are geared to their age. Sure, going to the movie theater is a treat----but it is a wonderful experience for a young child to attend a live theatre performance that is geared to their age. In most areas there are children's theatre groups---and colleges and universities usually host a Family Fare type of season of performances for young ones. Take a second to check into it today for your area. You and your family will have so much fun!

Be Specific in Questioning Young Ones

2009-02-11T13:32:00.003-05:00

As we have a bit of spring weather during February---always a teaser---it is a time that all of us, parents and children can get into a rut. We are all ready for consistent spring weather and more playtime outside.

Us this time to encourage your child in their endeavors. Be sure to use the monthly newsletter to ask your child specifically about the things we are doing in class. We compose our newsletters in a way that makes it easy for parents to have a conversation about dance class with young ones. At this young age children are overwhelmed by such a huge question as: "What did you do in dance class today?" That question is just TOO BIG for them! You will usually get an answer like: "Nothing" to a big question like that. Use the monthly newsletters to ask specific questions about what is going on in class---and only ask 1-2 specific questions every few days. Asking too many questions at one time can be overwhelming to young ones as well. Enjoy this great journey with your child----we are honored to be a part of it!

A Month of Growth

2009-02-10T11:49:00.003-05:00

February is off to a great start! We appreciate all of the wonderful notes that we have received about parent observation. Thanks to those of you that responded with kind words and excitement about the program.

February is the month that we see great growth in our students when comparing their skills to the beginning of the year. We hope those are being shared with parents at home. We see increased balance and depth perception; as well as stronger bodies and better flexibility. These are wonderful skills and abilities that will be taken throughout life. We recently had a parent ask if they could sign up for our class---they thought they could use some of the great skills that their child was acquiring! We might have to look into offering that in the future---A Parents' Class. :)

Our Dance Teachers and Directors.....

2009-02-06T16:58:00.002-05:00

Here at LPCW we have always been blessed to have wonderful teachers and directors. We began 18 years ago teaching dance in Eastern NC and for the past several years have been nationwide. As our program continues to grow and expand we never marvel at the many wonderful instructors and directors that are a part of the Little People's Creative Workshop family. Our Philadelphia area Regional Director shared these thoughts about how she feels about what she does:

"My love for dance started at a very early age. I was excited every Saturday morning to get up, put on my leotard and get to go to dance class! What made it such a wonderful experience for me was my amazing teachers. As I grew older I used them as my role models and saw not only how much passion they had for dance, but for teaching as well.

I always thought I would end up teaching high school or older students in a studio, but once I started working with LPCW I knew those thoughts were gone! Ask anyone you know how they get greeted when they come to work. I bet they won't say by twenty smiling and excited faces screaming your name, and these aren't even the children you teach!

Teaching 'little people' brings out the best in a teacher, not only because they make you smile and greet you with hugs so powerful that they almost knock you over; but because they are so eager to learn. LPCW has an amazing curriculum that allows children to explore dance through themselves but yet in a very structured and fun atmosphere!

LPCW is so great for children because it allows them to go off into imaginary, secret places while learning how to move their bodies properly throughout space. At this young age children absorb everything and what makes LPCW so great is that we are able to offer the classes while the children are in school---so they are able to relate things that they are learning to dance and to the arts which most children do not have the opportunity to do!"

~ Liz Story, LPCW Philadelphia Regional Director

The Obvious Benefits of Dance

2009-02-05T16:08:00.004-05:00

We wanted to share this great article written by Sarah Wilkiamson:

"The Obvious Benefits of Dance School"

www.romancetracker.com/the-obvious-benefits-of-dance-school/

Here is an excerpt------

"There are many benefits to your child when they attend dance school. It not only enables them to realize creativity within them but gives them training for other areas in life. Dance is a wonderful creative art that can enrich your child's life for many years to come."

Ms. Wilkiamson goes on to list several benefits such as:

Learning the art of creativity

Dance is good exercise

Confidence

Dance leads to learning respect

Dance helps develop social skills

Dance helps with bonding

Be sure to click the link above to read the entire article. All of us here at LPCW see the many benefits before our eyes each day---it is a pleasure to invest in young lives with what we do.

Benefits of Children's Dance Classes.......

2009-02-04T10:07:00.005-05:00

Children---boys and girls---who participate in dance when they are young enjoy many benefits. A few are increased self-esteem, coordination, balance, poise, and many others. Parents are beginning to see the importance of enrolling their children in dance and theatre classes; and seeing the investment that doing so creates. Take a moment to read this short article about some of the benefits of dance for children:

http://www.essortment.com/all/childrendancec_rczk.htm

Check Out Some of Our Star Dancers:

2009-02-03T14:08:00.002-05:00

Parent Observations: a Great Success!

2009-02-03T11:21:00.006-05:00

Last week we held our mid-year Parent Observations---or what we like to call here at LPCW "Informances". All the students did a great job and each class was never short of comedy and entertainment. Preschoolers are certainly a group that is full of surprises. It was great to see parents and family with their cameras; and the students thrive on their applause. Thanks to all of you that joined us; if you had an unexpected conflict and you did not make it to your child's presentation---please give us a call and we will give you another time to attend. We wouldn't want anyone to miss it! Here is what one parent in our Philadelphia area classes said about last week:

"Just a note of thanks for the great Informance today--the kids were so well prepared and it was easy to see why they love you and class - nice job! Thanks for making it fun!"

~Janelle, mom of Chloe

Welcome to LPCW!

2009-02-03T11:13:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Little People's Creative Workshop blog---a place for parents and teachers to share their thoughts and what is going on with our program. We consider it an honor to work with children--and we have such great things to share with you! Join us in the conversation!