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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 11 , 2 0 1 6 Kenaston & Scureld 204.488.9091 www.shelleyshearerdance.ca Specialized Preschool Programs: Two's & You (Age 2), Storybook Ballet (Age 3), Creative dance (Age 4), Prep Steps ( Age 5) Ages 6 to Adult: Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary & Musical Theatre Classes Start September 6 REGISTER ONLINE on our Website or In Person Monday - Friday So You Think You Can Dance U.S. So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You So You Think You Home of Lindsay Nelko, Choreographer CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE! on our over Too often nowadays, learning opportunities for our kids in music and dance may be viewed as optional 'extras,' but that simplyshouldn'tbethe case. T he two creative pursuits can be powerful tools in the development of children, from toddlers to teens. Enrolling young children in a music or dance class can help them learn through sound, pick up the meaning of words, develop motor skills and figure out how to express themselves. At the same time, even reticent tweens and teens can develop poise and confidence through music and dance. "It's a proven fact that music and dance stimulate kids' growth in a number of key areas," said Sarah Heidahl, co-ordinator of Prep Studies for the University of Manitoba's Desautels Faculty of Music. "They prompt children to use so many different brain functions. Music helps you with language and distinguishing sounds, helps you develop focus (increased attention span) and fosters overall creativity. There's no downside to enrolling your child in a music or dance program." Programs start early at the U of M. There are classes for toddlers and kids from age three up. "In the youngest classes, parents can actually participate with their children," said Heidahl. "In those classes, we feature interactive games such as call and response. Each class involves clapping, dancing and singing, all of which really stimulate the brains of young children. Music strengthens memory skills in both children and adults." Julie Biggs, director of the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music, says the impact of music and dance on a child's development can be significant and long-lasting. "They help with thinking and co-ordination, and help children learn faster," she said. "Music and dance are fun, so kids don't feel like they're learning. The reality is that they're developing cognitive development, body awareness and other subtle but important skills." With that in mind, the WCM offers a wide range of programs for kids. "We start from babies to age three with classes where parents roll balls to their children as music is playing. It's an opportunity for parents to bond with their kids in a fun atmosphere," said Biggs. "There's also the Kinderstrings violin program for children age four to six, and we even have a musical theatre troupe that's available to kids from grades four to 12. That program features acting games and dancing. This year, one of the troupe's productions will be Elf Jr." She added that individual music lessons are also available. Too often nowadays, learning opportunities for our kids in music and dance may be viewed as optional 'extras,' but that he two creative pursuits can be powerful tools in the development of children, from toddlers to teens. Enrolling young children in a music or dance class can help them learn through sound, pick up the meaning of words, develop motor skills and figure out how to express themselves. At the same time, even reticent tweens and teens can develop poise and confidence through music and dance. "It's a proven fact that music and dance stimulate kids' growth in a number of key areas," said Sarah Heidahl, co-ordinator of Prep Studies for the University of Manitoba's Desautels Faculty of Music. "They prompt children to use so many different brain functions. Music helps you with language and distinguishing sounds, helps you develop focus (increased attention span) and fosters overall creativity. There's no downside to enrolling your child in a music or Programs start early at the U of M. There are classes for toddlers and kids from "In the youngest classes, parents can actually participate with their children," "They start from age five in areas such as guitar, voice and drums," said Biggs. "They start in the first week of September, while group programs start in mid-September. Individual lessons are tailored to each child; they can be accelerated or slowed down to help them learn at the pace they're most comfortable with. Group lessons, on the other hand, help kids learn to interact, learn about themselves and develop skills in a fun environment." Heidahl said the U of M's Prep Studies also offers individual lessons, musical theatre (for kids from seven to 14 years old) and even master class programs for students looking to fine-tune their already prodigious musical skills. "The whole idea is to challenge kids so it stimulates them and forces them to think," she said. "Exposing kids to music and dance helps them develop skills and confidence, and often helps them come out of their shell. There's no downside to enrolling your child in a music or dance program; they're beneficial to their development in so many ways." To find out more about music and dance programs available in the U of M's faculty of music and at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music, visit umanitoba.ca/faculties/music/ prep/429.html and wcmus.com. By Todd Lewys | Winnipeg Free Press "Music and dance are fun, so kids don't feel like they're learning. The reality is that they're developing cognitive development, body awareness and other subtle but important skills." Music programs start early at the University of Manitoba, with options for toddlers and young kids, including many early childhood music classes (above). Kids (top) take part in a Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg after-school session. University of Manitoba photo/Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg photo (top) View online at winnipegfreepress.com/publications

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