The Princess Camp is one of a series of summer camps offered by Arts in Action of Hurricane. The camps are designed to increase appreciation in the visual and performing arts. Photos courtesy of Joni Prince.
|
The Princess Camp is one of a series of summer camps offered by Arts in Action of Hurricane. The camps are designed to increase appreciation in the visual and performing arts. Photos courtesy of Joni Prince.
|
HURRICANE - Since 2004, Arts in Action, of Hurricane, has provided camps for those interested in increasing their skills and or appreciation of the performing/visual arts.
The camps are three-fold: Artistic Discovery Camps, Dance Intensive Summer Workshop, and the Princess Camps.
Executive Director and Choreographer of Arts in Action Joni Prince said the camps have really taken off in membership causing the addition of another week to the Princess Camps.
The first camp, originated by Prince, is the Artistic Discovery Camp for ages 5 through young adult.
In addition to Arts in Action, this camp is sponsored by several community groups, churches, and organizations.
"I wanted to develop a camp that introduced students to a variety of art methods to help them discover their natural talent, abilities and passion," Prince said. "I structured a camp that not only introduced eight art disciplines, but also gives opportunity for developing skills and increases art appreciation."
The classes, led by a professional faculty, include: Hip-Hop, Tap, Drama, Sign-Language, Choir, Music, Instruments, Puppets, and Art.
Since there are so many returning students, Prince and faculty prepare the syllabus accordingly.
And while art is the emphasis, making new friends and having fun are the best reasons to attend the camp, Prince said.
"The greatest highlight of the camp is at the week-end celebration when the students showcase their newly developed and found talent in a dance, song, music piece, drama and puppet show," Prince said. "It is amazing to see the children come alive and talent flow as they share through the arts."
Dance Intensive Summer Workshop, for ages 8 to young adult, is for dedicated and disciplined dancers who want to refine their technical skills while being challenged, motivated and inspired to dance in excellence, Prince said.
Participants will grow technically, artistically and personally at this comprehensive week of dance training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and choreography, she said.
Also, lectures on dance history, appreciation, and dance careers are part of the daily curriculum. The camp culminates with a dance performance showcasing all participants.
The Princess Camps, for ages 3 to 10, were originated by Prince and Janelle Pifer last summer. Classes are divided into two: Petite Princess, for ages 3 to 5; and Princess Ballet, for ages 6 to 10.
Dance classes featuring ballet and creative movement are taught with an emphasis on poise, grace and technique. Classes in dramatic play acting will focus daily on the "princess of the day" using props, tiaras, crowns, dress-up and skits. Creating princess treasures is also part of the art curriculum.
"It was a great success last year so we added another week to increase the number of participants from thirty to 60 for the summer," Prince said. "Every girl leaves the camp knowing that she is a special princess!"
Artistic Discovery Camps are June 15th - June 19 at Grace Bible Church, in Charleston;
June 22nd - June 26 at the Roosevelt Neighborhood Center, in Charleston; and July 27th - July 31 at the Hurricane Valley Community Center.
Dance Intensive Summer Workshop is July 13 to 17 at Arts in Action, in Hurricane.
Princess Camps are June 8 - 12 and July 20 - 24 at the Hurricane Valley Community Center and the Museum in the Community.
Sign-ups are on a first-come/first-serve basis and size is limited. Tuition is $125 per student and need-based scholarships are available on a sliding scale. The Arts in Action studio is located at 2658 Main St. in Hurricane.
For more information, call 304-419-4446 or visit www.artsinaction.info.