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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, August 30, 2012 · 18 Fall Registration Advertorial The Oakville Academy for the Arts performs for its students The Oakville Academy for the Arts is one of the largest arts education centres for children in Canada and one of the best. Celebrating 10 years in Oakville the Oakville Academy continues to provide a safe, enriched and exciting setting for children as they are introduced to the arts. Embraced by the community, the Oakville Academy is annually voted "Oakville's Best" since it opened and continues to be recognized locally, provincially and nationally. The arts education centre was recently honoured with the "Prime Minister's Award of Excellence for Early Childhood Education". Each week, nearly 2,800 students, some as young as twoand-a-half, take part in the various music, dance and fine arts programs. The Academy offers more than 60 classes a week specifically designed for children age 6 and younger alone. The pre-school, JK and SK program presents the arts in a fun, creative and age appropriate setting. Heidi McMeekan, director of the Academy describes the approach as "mind-expanding" and one that lets creativity flow with Nearly 200 dancers completed the Royal Academy of Dance "amazing" results. The half-day program is available two, three (R.A.D.) Ballet Programme this year at the Academy. Ballet is or five days a week, providing a proven learning structure that just one of the arts taught at the education centre. equips children for subsequent learning at private or public Photos by Chantal Ayotte /Metroland Media Group schools. The Recreational Dance Programme has become one of the most respected and largest in Canada. The Academy's six studios Ages 3 to 5 Reading Phonics Math and more than 175 weekly classes in a multitude of disciplines are geared to the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and held at many convenient times for busy families (daytimes, evenings, Saturdays and Sundays). The Academy is proud of its world-renowned, body friendly and fair Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Ballet Programme. This year nearly 200 dancers successfully completed Graded and Vocational Graded (pre-professional) examinations and assessments under the direction of highly trained and well-respected faculty. Classes begin with the youngest dancers in Princess PreIf we could only teach dance, then Baby Ballet and KinderBallet and continue up to Advanced Ballet. your child one thing it The competitive program's aim is to create well-rounded dancers in all disciplines of dance. The goal is to develop strong technical dancers creating skills that will promote self-confidence, self-esteem, dedication, commitment, teamwork, creativity and a love for the arts in a professional environment. The Academy offers a variety of stylized classes in vocal and music (Royal Conservatory, Jazz, Pop, etc.), providing a comprehensive and fun music program for students of all ages. Musical theatre and drama programs begin with students at age 5 and continue through to high school students. For children with a passion for choral pop singing and dancing, there is also a Glee Show Choir that performs at numerous shows in the GTA. With instructors from a wide range of fine art disciplines, the Academy has developed a fascinating fine arts curriculum exploring the art forms of the old masters and contemporary approaches used today. Day camps are another opportunity for children to develop their talents, unleash their creativity and have a good time with their peers. The Academy's award-winning camps are taught by award winning instructors. Heidi credits the university-educated instructors for the high caliber of the Academy's offerings. "We have the best student to teacher ratio out there and our instructors really take what they are doing seriously," she says of the 57 teachers on staff. The Oakville Academy programs are complemented by "gorgeous facilities" that provide a thriving environment for rewarding experiences for children of all ages. The 12,000 square foot "state of the art" facility is located at the corner of Upper Middle and Eighth Line. The Oakville Academy offers classes from the most fundamental and recreational levels through to programs designed for competitive, professional and university preparation. The Academy takes great pride in providing the very best in curriculum, faculty and facility. would be a love of reading Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Oakville South 905.849.4027 Oakville North 905-257.1207 Oakville North 905.469.1929