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36 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 22, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Academy for the Arts - a haven of excellence for all ages In just four years the Oakville Academy for the Arts has become a haven of excellence where students as young as six months and adults of all ages learn dance, music, musical theatre, drama and fine arts. The 1011 Upper Middle Road school was voted `Best Dance School' and `Best Music School' by Oakville residents this year. Such widespread recognition is a reflection of the studio's impeccably outfitted 7,000 square-foot facility and more importantly, its 53 professional, well-educated instructors and staff of specialists, said Director Heidi (Schofield) McMeekan. With more than 600 hundred children under the age of six enrolled, the Academy has a proven aptitude for ensuring those first tiny steps blossom through the Prince and Princess Pre-dance, Baby Ballet, Kinder Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Kiddy Hop Programs. Dance Director Aimee Hamilton attributes its success to the 1:8 teacher-student ratio, entertaining music and creative teaching methods, which include using Hula Hoops, wands and balloons. Older dance students work in progressive classes offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, acro and hip hop. Cutting edge choreography practiced by its competitive company of 90 members has garnered the dedicated group 75 overall awards. The Academy's music department continues to grow offering student customized lessons in vocal, piano, guitar, violin, bass, saxophone, flute, drums and many others, from seasoned and accomplished musician instructors. Musical Theatre combines music, dance and drama and gives students greater depth in each discipline to better broaden their arts education. And as the home of The Oakville Academy Kinderschool, pre-school, JK and SK students are exposed daily to working artists, RAD ballet, jazz and music. Due to the Academy's entrepreneurial success in such a short time, McMeekan demonstrates her appreciation philanthropically, by fundraising for over 60 local and international causes. Oakville Children's Music Theatre Dedicated Exclusively to Excellence in Music Theatre www.ymcaofoakville.com Ignite Your Child's Creative Spark CONFIDENCE · SELF DISCOVERY TEAMWORK All students are involved in drama, singing and dance Each class culminates in June with a full Youth Basketball Leagues Youth Indoor Soccer Adult Competitive Volleyball Broadway Style Musical Production Registration information: Dianne Devaux Director 905-842-9535 www.ocmt.on.ca Dance Oakville · Ballet ·Jazz · Tap · Ladies Tap & Jazzercise Recreational, Family Oriented Dance School for Girls and Boys, ages 3 & up! MONDAY & THURSDAY CLASSES! Register Early To Guarantee A Spot! Contact Kim Belanger for information or registration forms SIGN UP TODAY! 410 Rebecca Street Oakville, ON L6K 1K7 Telephone: 905-845-3417 Facsimile: 905-842-6792 E-mail: customerservice@oakville.ymca.ca 289-313-0576 danceoakville@hotmail.com St. John's United Church, 262 Randall St., Oakville (at Randall & Dunn) www.oakvillebeaver.com