in the news

Sparking a love of dance, moving, creating

San Francisco Chronicle, Published Thursday, March 23, 2017

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Sparking-a-love-of-dance-moving-creating-11024149.php

The school is certified by the American Ballet Theatre, which makes their programs stand out, Finwall said. The certification means teachers at Moving Arts who oversee campers have completed intensive training in ABT’s National Training Curriculum, a nine-level program that combines artistic training with the basics of dancer health and development, according to the ABT website. Certified teachers are only allowed to teach after they’ve successfully passed each level of training and an examination.

At camp, Finwall said young dancers can expect a full day of dance, acrobatics and theater, coupled with typical camp activities like crafts and visiting nearby Balboa Park. And although the days are varied, each week has a clear focus. For example, there are three weeks of ballet scheduled, two weeks of theater and two weeks of contemporary dance, geared toward ages 8-12.

Students who participate in classes the fifth and sixth weeks of the summer schedule will focus on character building through physical theater, clown and commedia dell’arte exercises, improvisation, and working on heightened text such as Shakespeare and Moliere in addition to ballet and acrobatics.

“What we offer is a very professional dance program, but in a super fun environment,” said Alyce Finwall, studio director. “It’s a little less structured than our year around classes, in that we’re giving them an overview but in a really fun way. It’s camp, we want them to have fun.”