"The arts must be at the heart of every child's learning experience if they are to have a chance to dream and to create,to have beliefs, and to carry a sense of cultural identity."
James D. Wolfenson — former chairman, The Kennedy Center

These classes are offered periodically fall through spring.  Most open classes are held at the Downtown YMCA. Interested students should contact the YMCA to register. Classes currently open for registration are noted below with dates and times.

Wednesdays, Starting January 6 (10 week session)

Dance Rascals

• Time: 3:40 - 4:10
• Ages: 3 - 5
• Location: Downtown YMCA
• Fee: $80 YMCA member and $95 non-member

Classes consist of various dance styles to show the power and relevance of dance. Basic dance steps are taught with the instruction given in a manner that places emphasis on natural movement, communal play, and light technique.

Broadway Splash

• Time: 4:15 - 5:00
• Ages: 6 - 9
• Location: Downtown YMCA

This 10 week workshop will explore a scene from a well-known Broadway play. Following introductory narration, students will enact the scene with drama, music and dance. They will learn blocking, voice projection, song, movement and how an actor connects emotionally with an audience. At the end of the workshop, students will perform, showing parents and friends their work to produce this tightly woven piece.

Sign-up at the YMCA front desk or online @ www.ymcatvidaho.org. Questions? Contact Mary Biddle-Newberry: 208-344-5502, x276.

Wednesdays starting March 17th (6 week session)

Gym Class Jam

Ages 3 - 5

• Time: 3:40 - 4:10
• Location: Downtown YMCA
• Fee: $60 YMCA member and $TBD non-member

Ages 6 - 9

• Time: 4:15 - 5:00
• Location: Downtown YMCA
• Fee: $75 YMCA member and $TBD non-member

Ages 10 - 15

• Time: 5:05 - 5:50
• Location: Downtown YMCA
• Fee: $75 YMCA member and $TBD non-member

Dance your way to a healthy, energetic life. Starting with 3-year olds to set the pattern of healthy activity, TrICA teaching artists will lead children of all ages through aerobic classes of dance that are designed to increase heart rate while simultaneously having fund and learning movement techniques. These will be great classes to stimulate the brain for study, to develop coordination skills, learn dance, and reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. Along the way, we'll talk about food and what snacks will beef up your brain, giving your mind a workout along with your body.

Ballerina Princess

Taught in the same style as Dance Rascals, Ballerina Princess classes will use ballet vocabulary and dress-up (lots of it!) to fuse a child’s innate joy of moving and make believe with a love of dance. If your child loves to dress up and twirl, this is the perfect class!  Classes are held once a week after school for children ages 3-5 for five-week sessions.

Ballerina Princess will be offered again in the fall of 2010.