Back to School

2019

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4 B A C K T O S C H O O L , M U S I C & D A N C E … A N D M O R E ! - S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S - T H U R S D A Y, A U G U S T 8 , 2 0 1 9 an ongoing basis. They've also performed at all-ages venues such as Joe Black Coffee and Sam's Place on Henderson Highway. Looking ahead, the two instructors would like to enhance the ROCKsCOOL program in September. "We almost had enough people to expand it into two bands last year," Radomsky said. "Ideally, we'd like to expand it to offer more specific levels." • • • • • In addition to ROCKsCOOL, Quest Music Academy will offer a weeklong Rock Camp from Aug. 19 to 23. "There's music seminars about the instruments and we break up into groups. We write a list of 10 songs they're going to work on and practise throughout the day," Leier said. "Some people read music and others don't. Even if you play by ear, you can still join." Both the Rock Camp and the ROCKsCOOL program offer a chance to enjoy music and hang out with friends in a relaxed environment. "We all like music and we all get along. You're with a bunch of people who are creating this art together and functioning as a unit, not just as themselves," Leier said. "You learn problem-solving strategies and you learn how to talk to people in a way that encourages them. There are so many benefits and we're all bringing a positive message." ❚ << Continued from Page 3 THE SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY DANCERS CO-DIRECTORS: ODETTE HEYN C.M. & FAYE THOMSON C.M. • Nationally renowned Professional Program affiliated with the University of Winnipeg B.A. (Honours) degree available • Vibrant intensive Junior Professional Program with performance opportunities • Exciting General Program for all ages and levels: Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Contemporary African, Breakin' for Boys PHONE: 204-452-1239 WEB: www.schoolofcontemporarydancers.ca EMAIL: general@schoolofcontemporarydancers.ca ADDRESS: 104-211 Bannatyne Ave - Winnipeg, MB - R3B 3P2 Photo: Rod Braun Choreography: Kathleen Hiley By Jennifer McFee | Winnipeg Free Press It's no stretch of the imagination to envision the benefits that yoga and meditation can pose for kids. For Heather Senderewich, owner of The Yoga Barre, she can clearly see the positive impacts of bringing kids to the mat. "Yoga definitely helps them work on concentration," she said. "They learn to be still and focus on more than the physical." Family yoga classes offer a chance to spend time together, since a parent or guardian can attend with a child — or even two or three. "It's an opportunity to do something active with your kids," Senderewich said. "If your kid can't sit still in yoga, that's OK. They're allowed to squirm a little and then try to sit still again. Stillness in yoga is one of the hardest things, even for adults to embrace." By bringing kids to the yoga studio, adults can also benefit from the shared space. Live performances are part of the ROCKsCOOL program. PHOTOS COURTESY OF QUEST MUSIC ACADEMY "The physical asana is usually more of a learning experience for adults than for kids because kids aren't afraid to look silly. They're not afraid to fall out of a pose or to lose their balance, whereas adults can be so scared to try something that might be out of their comfort zone," Senderewich said. "So it's also good for the adults in the family class. They try some of the sillier poses, which allows them to be more like a kid too. We usually do some partner balancing poses, so they get to do something fun and healthy with their kid." In addition to family classes, The Yoga Barre also offers preteen barre classes for youngsters aged eight to 12 at the Charleswood studio. For young yogis aged 13 and up, they're welcome to attend regular classes along with an adult. More information is available at www. theyogabarrewpg.com and on social media. At Open Hearts, a Brandon-based business that opened in November, owner Jenn Shields also offers kid-friendly yoga classes. So far, the adult-child yoga class is proving to be a popular pick for families with kids aged five to 10. "One reason I started that class is because parents will sign kids up for activities, but we don't always take care of ourselves. So the benefits are twofold — for the children but also for the parents," she said. "We teach them about breath work and relaxation but also have fun with partner poses and a little bit of a deeper connection piece." Another class called Yoga for Growing Athletes offers a sports focus for youth aged eight to 12. "My older son is a goalie, so deep breathing helps when there's a guy coming down the ice on a breakaway and you're the last thing between the puck and the net. When you get anxious, you can use your breath," she said. "When they learn to use it in one context, they'll automatically have it as a tool in other contexts. They realize that breath work makes them feel calm and strong." The classes help kids to develop flexibility, stabilization, strength and balance. Then each session ends with mindfulness meditation. "At first, they might be a bit resistant or unsure because meditation is usually new to most kids. They'll be giggling and wiggling around, and we just allow that. We encourage them to find stillness and silence, but we don't get frustrated with them if they're feeling a bit restless," Shields said. "Before long, they can't wait for the meditation. It's really cool to see how quickly they can find that space." As an instructor, her goal is to help kids integrate yoga and meditation into their daily lives. "It's about the physical, but it's also about teaching them self-acceptance, self-awareness and non-competitiveness," Shields said. "We don't need to worry about being perfect. This is a space where we can just be as we are." ❚ The benefits of yoga and meditation extend into everyday life. PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPEN HEARTS

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