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Jean Grieve brought Suzuki music learning to Belize Continued from page 41 43 · Friday, June 22, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "That was because my own children needed somewhere to play as well as some of my new students," she said. When her own children grew up, Grieve and her husband went to Belize for a change of scenery. "We didn't have any kids for the first time so we said, `Where should we go?'" she recalled. The pair drove in a Jeep down to the small Central American country of Belize. On the second day there, Grieve attended a concert where she met a nun who taught music at a school. That nun asked her if she would help her teach a Suzuki program. Grieve had been surprised at the request because she hadn't told any- one she was a music teacher. "She said, `I read an article about you in the Oakville Beaver.' Some Belizean who had seen it, sent it down," Grieve said. By Christmas of that year, Grieve already had 50 students. The pair lived in Belize for a year. After she left, the music program continued. As part of the Suzuki organization in Oakville, Grieve also founded the annual Oakville Performing Arts Camp that takes place each summer. This year will mark the summer camp's 31st year. Approximately 200 students attend and not just to learn music but music theatre, film, art and dance as well. This is all part of making music more fun for students, especially for teens, who may not have peers who appreciate clas- sical types of music. "That has made a huge difference because it gets the kids to know each other," she said. "She's kind of my hero a thousand times over, but I think she's a hero of thousands of young people in the community." Don Pangman, ArtHouse founder In Suzuki programming, students receive private lessons, and a group lesson once a week. This year, Grieve is also partnering with the Oakville-based, nonprofit organization ArtHouse. She's teaching the ArtHouse Junior Violin program. "She has been wonderful and has identified some stars out of that potentially," said Don Pangman, founder of ArtHouse. He has known Grieve for the past eight years as he is also a board member of the Oakville Symphony. "She's kind of my hero a thousand times over, but I think she's a hero of thousands of young people in the community. Just think of the number of kids she's nurtured over the last 40 years. It's significant," Pangman said. "She's relentless with her energy. She is so compassionate with young children and young people and youth. She just wants to share her talent with everybody and help them." Grieve was recently awarded with a Diamond Jubilee medal and an Arts Award at Oakville's 11th Annual Community Spirit Awards. This winter, she paid to have a Wenger Diva Acoustic Shell installed at The Oakville Centre. The Wednesday concerts will be at 5:30 p.m. (current students) and at 8 p.m. (alumni and Symphony). There is also a picnic at Lakeside Park in between the two shows. The event will raise money for music tuition scholarships for families of children who would otherwise not be able to afford lessons. People can also sit in the audience. Tickets cost $20 for the 5:30 p.m. show or $25 for the 8 p.m. performance. For tickets to the Gala concerts, visit www.oakvillecentre.ca. Add some waltz to your life By: Sheena Osman Watching TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and wishing to be one of those professional dancers doesn't have to be such a farfetched idea. Fred Astaire Dance Studios can make Ballroom or Latin dance a part of your life right in the comfort in your own community and challenge all dancers, from the beginner student to the professional dancer. Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers classes in such styles as Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Rumba, Samba, Salsa and many others. The studio offers beginner as well as advanced classes for dancers of all ages. Students who feel progress at the beginner level have the opportunity to advance to the trophy course program once they are more comfortable. The opportunity to compete is available to students at every level of dance. Dancing at Fred Astaire's is a great opportunity to socialize, to meet new people and is great exercise according to Mr. Michel Beaudoin, the director of the Oakville location who has been teaching dance for more than 30 years. "It's just a great hobby," says Beaudoin. "It's a great activity for some couples to do together and as a single individual, a great way to meet other people, get out in the community and be more active." The very first Fred Astaire Dance Studio was opened on Park Avenue in 1947 in New York City in a collaboration by retired motion picture executive Charles Casanave Sr. and by the legendary dancer and movie icon Fred Astaire himself who shared the big screen with such stars as Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse and perhaps his most famous partner, Ginger Rogers. With the studio's instant success, the company soon opened up franchises around the world. In 1975, the first studio in Canada was opened in London, Ontario. Today there are over one hundred and fifty studios worldwide, including the United States, and Australia. More locally, Fred Astaire's memorable technique and choreography continues today with students and instructors alike being trained in Oakville, Hamilton, London, · More Fun! · Exercise! · Self Confidence! · Meet People! · Grace & Poise! Kitchener and Ottawa. For those getting married the studio offers a wedding program where the couple, along with their family and wedding party can learn the basics for their first dance, in order to shine on their big day. And for those planning a vacation, the studio offers cruiseship and wedding programs which include the dance styles specific to their destination of choice. Amateur dancers who wish to make dancing their profession can take adavantage of a unique training program to the studio, which perpares dancers to become certified instructors. Fred Astaire Dance Studios prides itself on its quality of teaching and service, according to Beaudoin. "We always try to teach our students to the best of their ability and give them what they are looking for in their danc- ing" says Beaudoin. "So all of our programs are very specifically designed and tailored towards the needs of each individual." So if you want to add some excitement and dance to your life, contact the professionals at your nearest Fred Astaire Dance Studio location by calling 1-87797Dance. For more information on the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Canada, visit www.fredastaire.ca. Synchronized swimming Stream any music, including iTunes playlists, straight to the pool and keep your talk radio going strong in the kitchen. It's multi-room music to your own tune. Tell me more 10 LESSONS for SPECIAL OFFER SUMMER SPECIAL! $ By yourself or with a partner. New Students Over 21 Only. 20 * 225 Lakeshore Rd. E. (2nd Floor) between Dunn St. and George St. OAKVILLE 1092 Main Street W. near Cline Ave. HAMILTON 905.844.7600 85 Navy Street, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6J 2Z2 Appointments recommended www.fredastaire.ca 905 815-3237 905 522-3237 www.canadiansound.com