WWU's Western Arts Preparatory Academy to Hold Spring Classes for Youth

February 28, 2012

Contact: Cher Carnell, WWU College of Fine and Performing Arts, at Cher.Carnell@wwu.edu or (360) 650-3893

BELLINGHAM - The Western Arts Preparatory Academy at Western Washington University is holding a spring session of classes for youth in dance and violin.

The academy, presented by Western’s College of Fine and Performing Arts, offers a variety of youth dance, theatre and music programs that focus on providing youth with life-enhancing skills and broadening their perspectives in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. Whether participating in dance, theatre or violin, students will have social and educational experience that will develop confidence, awareness, discipline, communication and organizational skills.

  • WAPA Ballet, Creative Dance and Hip Hop is open to children ages 4 through 12. All levels of dance students will build a succession of skills toward the goals of dance technique, performance quality and the joy of expression. A new hip hop class has been added for spring; the class, for children age 8 through 11, emphasizes better understanding of rhythm and coordination in the body. These concepts will be explored through a variety of mediums such as freestyle movements, set choreography and exploratory movement games. Dance classes are offered at Western as well as in Fairhaven. Spring classes begin March 27.
  • WAPA Suzuki Violin is an opportunity for youth ages 4 to 7 to experience the rewarding process of learning to play an instrument. Participants will benefit from private and group lessons and be taught by the Suzuki method, which involves the instructor, child and parent in the learning process. Youth achievements will culminate in a celebratory recital. Once a child is enrolled, instruction can continue until age 15. This program is offered Saturdays on Western’s campus. Spring classes begin April 7.
  • WAPA Theatre will not be offered in spring.  Western’s Youth Programs’ Summer Youth Theatre Institute will begin June 25.

The academy’s spring session will culminate with a performance by its academic-year violin, creative dance and ballet students.  The youth performance will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 on the main stage of Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center. Tickets will be available for purchase to the general public in May through Western’s Box Office.

Details and registration information can be found online at www.wwu.edu/wapa. For additional questions call (360) 650-3308.