Download 2017 PMPA DAT program copy - Port Macquarie Performing Arts

DANCE AS THERAPY
PROGRAM
2017
After a successful launch in 2016, Port Macquarie Performing Arts invite
local kids to participate in a fun creative movement dance program for
2017.
Our eight week program brings experienced dance educators together
with qualified Occupational Therapists, Neuro-Chiropractors and
Behavioural Optometrists to deliver a therapeutic dance program
aimed at developing neural pathways to improve your child’s sensory
integration.
Our Dance As Therapy Program consists of two seperate, eight week programs at our dance
studios in Port Macquarie. The first program is for children aged 3-5years and the second for
students aged 5-7years.
Designed to support children through all stages of learning, our Dance as Therapy program is a
non-competitive, OT guided dance program, aimed at improving your child’s gross motor skills,
balance, coordination and body confidence in a therapeutic, sensitive environment.
We want to help your child reach their potential in class and life .
After an initial screening for each of the students during week one, children will be allocated a
class and curriculum tailored to their individual needs. They will then embark on an seven week
dance program, culminating in an outcomes assessment for each student. The final class in Week
eight of the program features an in-house performance for family and friends.
The brain requires external stimuli to develop. Movement is the primary type of early external
stimuli that a child’s brain needs to develop efficiently.
This program is designed to expose a child to the correct movement patterns, in the natural
sequence, to mimic the first 12 months of their life.
Objectives
1. Maximise visual motor coordination
2. Achieve optimal energy levels ie slow the fast kids
down OR speed the slow kids up
3. Develop coordinated gross motor and fine motor
movements essential for successful participation in
academic learning
4. Functional balance and postural control
5. Improved sensory regulation and sleep pattern
Key Dates & Times
Tuesdays & Fridays - Monday 6 February - Friday 31 March
3-5yr olds - 10.30am - 11.15am
5-7yr olds - 2.45pm - 3.30pm
Dates to remember:
Enrolment Open: Monday 19 December
Enrolment Closes: Friday 20 January
Screening Documentation Due: Friday 27 January
Screening Day: Saturday 4 February
Program: Monday 6 February - Friday 31 March
Performance Day: Tuesday 21 March
Post-Program Outcome Screening - Friday 31 March
The Benefits of this program for young children
Improve Physical Health
Dancing is a highly physical activity, and kids who partake in dance lessons regularly will see an
improvement in their overall physical health. The repetitive movements involved in dance can
improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination and improve
overall cardiovascular health.
Socialisation Benefits
In addition to being a physical activity, dancing is also a highly social activity. Dance can help
children improve their social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team,
develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation, and make new friends. Dance can also help to
alleviate fears related to performing in front of an audience.
Skills for life
Dance helps children learn patience, listening and
leadership skills as they start to help each other with
learning and practising the steps. They also learn to
accept vulnerability; that it is okay not to be able to
do everything first time and that you should feel
confident enough to ask for help, either from the
teacher or from another student. Dance can help to
spark creativity in young children and help them to
develop an appreciation for the arts.
Learning through song
Singing together improves children's behaviour. It helps them bond – whatever the song or
language. They can express their feelings of joy or excitement, of being scared or proud. Musical
activity involves many different parts of the brain, so singing (which involves music and language)
helps develop these areas.
The study of the performing arts allows children to explore and express themselves freely. It helps
a child develop a better understanding of themselves, both physically and mentally, as well as
understanding others and the world around them. It encourages children to use their own
imagination and ideas to organically grow and create.
Dance is for everyone
Our lessons are structured to make all participants feel comfortable no matter what their
experience level. They focus on imagination, creative movement and demonstration from our
educators. In the 3-5years class, a parent or carer is encouraged to participate in the class with the
student.
Is this program for your child?
• Would you like to improve your child’s coordination?
• Does your child trip over their own shadow?
• Does your child enjoy dance but wants to learn in a non
competitive environment?
• Have you tried team sports but found its not a great fit?
• Do you want your child to thrive in school and in life?
What we provide:
• Two educators from Port Macquarie Performing Arts with current WWCC
• Detailed curriculum designed with input from Occupational Therapist, Neuro-Chiropractor &
Behavioural Optometrist
• Initial screening and ongoing progress assessment with industry experts
• Age Appropriate Music
• 13 x 40min dance lessons to be delivered at the same day/time for consecutive weeks
• 1 x Performance for friends and family in the studio
• Lots of fun!
Things to know:
All of PMPA’s classes include an age appropriate warmup, balancing skills, stretches and
cardiovascular exercises.
We use props provided by us to enhance motor skills and co-ordination.
We may take your child’s photograph and require permission for the use of photographs on our
social media and/or marketing materials.
In the 3-5years class, a parent or carer is encouraged to participate in the class with the student.
In the 5-7years class, parents or carers are encouraged to watch the class on the screens provided,
from the comfort of the studio foyer.
The total cost of the 8 week program is $850 inc GST.
Bookings must be confirmed with payment of a $450 deposit by the due date of Friday 20
January. With the remainder of the funds due $400 due on Friday 3 February.
We look forward to sharing our love of dance with you and your family.
Any questions, please get in touch.
Stacey Morgan - Principal of PMPA and Dance Curriculum developer for DAT
Po r t M a c q u a r i e Pe r f o r m i n g A r t s - 4 A l b e r t C i r c u i t - Po r t M a c q u a r i e 2 4 4 4
www.pmperformingarts.com
Phone: Stacey Morgan - Principal - 02 65 833753