Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

♦ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2006 6A Educate the community with a performance experience. Culture cannot only be classified as an era in time, a historical landmark and site of the Mona Lisa. Culture is also obtained through expression in theatre and drama, as well as movement of the body with song and dance. Dance in itself has as many forms as the rainbow has colors, from our beloved classical ballet to our historical Irish Step Dance. When making a decision to enhance one's Dance training, there are a few things to consider when choosing a dance studio. Just as the reputation of any college or university rests primarily on the caliber of professors who instruct there, so too does a top-notch performing arts studio. A quality studio will employ well-rounded and experienced instructors who have been performing and teaching movement for years. Teachers with experience will enjoy the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and love of dance and theatre through the students they teach. The best instructors have been performers themselves, and while perfectly capable ol teaching recreational steps and body movement, are equally suited to preparing students for the rigors and pressures of auditions and major productions. Professional instructors know what's required under the glare of the klieg lights because they've been there v- iff f'- isg \ . ~ if . yi ylr. • - ' % ,j£k Ik vr Si %L -f3 pjr «!M* _ _ffe«* '>| k w I -JH -<3g /7 ' • y? .. * - «B 1 * .4 r"* JH $2$GSi « ; -tl fee JtM/r j. ||Mi|| Mil ~; - ‘j.r.k n i 4 :£:>£*. .M I tof,.; \ ps|. ' 1 if ~mL. j| Hip Hop Team 2006 pigfr y>*^LS Warner Robins Christmas Parade December 2006 Now Registering for January Classes Creative Movement, Ages 3.5-4 yrs. Ballet/Tap Combo, Ages 5-11 yrs. Hip Hop, Ages 8-12 yrs. Bellydance for Teens & Adults. *NEW* Ballroom for Teen & Adult Couples. themselves. Of equal importance as tenure and performance experience, is the open-mindedness of the instructors. The performing arts, in all its various forms, is not calculus or grammar; there is more than one way of doing things. The arts of dance, theatre and song are by definition the free physical expression of that art form, and any studio employing a “my way or the highway'' mentality, with instructors who are rigid and unyielding in terms of embracing new ideas, is probably not the best available choice. Moving beyond the essential characteristics of instructor quality, is the importance of remembering that “variety is the spice of life.'' Ideally, a quality studio will offer many combinations of tap. ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, lyrical dance. These are all forms of self-expression and culture that could potentially be offered at the proper venue. Any studio offering such a wide range ol study taught by quality instructors is most definitely worth a serious look. Does the studio offer the opportunity to work with outside guest artists and Master Teachers? An experienced instructor is well aware of the advantages a student will gain by studying with other Master Teachers. The finer studio will not only encourage their students to study with other qualified instructors, but will provide the venue of study intensive workshops to broaden the education process of students interested in furthering their [ca/emy 438 S. Pleasant Hill M, Warner Robins, GA 478-922-6220 artistic career. Beyond the caliber of instruction and variety of classes offered by a performing arts establishment, is the physical space and location of a studio. It is said that a child will flourish in an environment he or she is comfortable in. Clean, spacious and well-lit dance spaces are essential, along with the appropri ate changing and dressing facilities. Finer studios will offer state of the art equipment and a wood sprung floor, in essence, a “floating” floor that minimizes impact and helps to reduce the wear, tear and injuries which are all too common in the dancing world. And lastly, it's important to take into consideration the ultimate achievement level of former students and the instructors. While most budding artists take classes to foster healthy bodies and friendships with others who enjoy the same forms of expression, there is always a certain percentage who aspire to greater heights. Consideration should be given to the performance opportunities available to those who desire to pursue a career in the arts. The performance experience should exclude any envy or rivalry amongst the corps of performers. On the contrary, during competition performances, the sense of being the best you can be while striving to perform in unison with team members, builds a strong and lasting camaraderie and discipline of teamwork relationships. So too does %SH a " -?JSMfjfIL *r k " "** ****£ y : ’ BT JB : §p '' H ~'• S&te Jf I» Jit il jHRBL. jBSiSP^v Stars of Tomorrow Dance Comp. Grand Champions HOUSTON DAILY JOURNAL performance, which incorporates other art forms, including musicians, actors and visual artists such as lighting technicians, build an understanding of confidence, self-esteem and the desire to strive for the best one can be in all aspects of life. The Top Five Things You Should Know... 1. A top-quality studio will employ well-rounded and experienced instructors. 2. Any studio employing a “my way or the highway” mentality, with instructors who are rigid and unyielding in terms of embracing new ideas, is probably not the best available choice. 3. Any studio that offers a wide range of study, taught by quality instructors, is most definitely worth a serious look. 4. The finer studio encourages students to study with other qualified instructors and also provides workshops for students interested in furthering their artistic career. 5. Find out what performance pportunities are available to students. ■ tOi I i Jr ** A ic jk • 1 jS JK wKUta^B HP Ballet Class 38868