Arms Wide Open class descriptions

Boom Operators - is a percussion class that creates unique sounds and rhythms. The student will use “Boomwhackers” to create syncopated melodic melodies. This class will help improve hand eye coordination and teach the student about timing and rhythm. This class is taught by Kevin Hay and Christopher Rubio who is former performer of the off Broadway sensational show STOMP. (Ages 7+)

Line Dancing - Line dancing is choreographed western style dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in lines and execute the steps at the same time. It is fun and is a great way to improve health and wellness. (Ages 7+) Instructor Andi Rasmussen

Swing Dance Level 1 - This class is a partner swing “Lindy Hop”class. Don’t have a partner ? No worries. The instructors will team students up with a classmate. They will then work together to learn Lindy Hop. This class is for beginner level students. Students will learn the basic eight count lindy, six count lindy, tucks, turns and basic swing outs. This class is a great way to help build social skills and teaches students how to work as a team. Swing is offered in two levels. Instructors Chris Rubio and Andi Rasmussen . (Ages 7+)

Swing Level 2 - Instructor’s approval - Christopher Rubio and Meadow Smith.

Puppetry - In this class the students will use a variety of hand puppets and will learn proper puppetry techniques that show students how to bring their puppets to life. Puppetry is a form of theatre or performance that involves the manipulation of puppets or inanimate objects by the student “puppeteers”. Students will perform skits and songs with thier puppets while developing thier acting and singing skills. Instructor- Liz Norling. (Ages 8+)

Acting 101 - This course lays the foundation for studying the discipline and art of acting, through exercises, games, reading, discussion, scene work, and analysis. Instructor- Liz Norling who’s been teaching acting classes for decades. (Ages 10+)

Tap Level 1 and 2 - Tap utilizes rhythm, syncopation and sound in addition to movement. An emphasis is placed on musicality, expression and improvisation. Tap is offered in two levels; class placement is determined by skill level and students often repeat levels until they have achieved mastery. Tap 1 instructor- Andi Ramussen and Chris Rubio (Ages 7+)

Tap Level 3 - Instructor’s approval - Christopher Rubio.

Social Dance Class - This class helps brings friends together to socialize and dance. It’s a great way to meet new friends, dance for fun without the stress of chorography and just have a good time. Instructor Christopher Rubio, Joey Arway and Bryce Johnson (Ages 7+)

Arts and Crafts - Art promotes freedom of creative expression, which helps students to relax and think differently. Anyone can create art, and there are so many different art forms, which helps students with special needs gain independence, confidence, and self-esteem. This class is designed to be a sensory class to help students enjoy a calm and relaxed environment that will help them focus on the task at hand. Students will learn to make a variety of craft projects which they can share with fellow classmates, family and friends. Parents or siblings can join the class for support. Instructor - Joye Arway. (Open to all ages.)

Hip Hop Level 1 - Is high energy dancing with swag and flare. Come be a part of this hip class and show us what you got! This class benefits coordination and use of all motor skills. Instructor Mary Hillman. Ages 8+

Hip Hop 2 - Hip Hop Level 2 - Is high energy dancing with swag and flare. Come be a part of this hip class and show us what you got! This class benefits coordination and use of all motor skills. Instructor approval, Chris Rubio. Ages 8+

Sing Level 1 - This is an intro class to learning how to sing by developing proper technique through vocal warmups. This class will sing along to popular choral arrangements. Instructor Karen Mercadante Ages 7+ Sing 2 instructor approval .

Sing Level 2 - Instructor Karen Mercadante Ages 7+ Sing 2 instructor approval .

American Sign Language - (ASL) In this class students develop expressive and receptive language skills using American Sign Language with an emphasis placed on fluency and refinement of complex vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural awareness. Instructor Joye Arway

Life Skills - Life skills is designed to increase student knowledge and skills necessary for everyday living. The course emphasizes goal-setting, decision making and problem solving, communication, healthy lifestyles and relationships, nutrition and personal safety. Instructor Kristie Jacobson Ages 13+

Jazz 1 - This class will focus on clean lines, turns, beginner jumps and tricks. This class will help enhance strength, flexibility and overall conditioning and technique . Instructor- Orna Edwards (Ages 10+)

Contemporary/Jazz - Contemporary blends several types of dance into its own unique style. It includes elements of ballet, jazz, modern. Often compared to lyrical, there are similarities, but often times dancers that exceed in one, may not in the other. Instructors - Meadow Smith (Ages 10+)

Musical Theatre Level 1 - This is a class filled with Broadway style dancing and music. Classes incorporate the style of dance one would typically see on a broadway stage. This form of dancing emphasizes learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expressions. Instructors - Temre Phipps, Meadow Smith and Joey Arway . Ages 7+

Musical Theatre Level 2 - This is a class filled with Broadway style dancing and music. Classes incorporate the style of dance one would typically see on a broadway stage. This form of dancing emphasizes learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expressions. Instructors - Christopher Rubio and Ceinna Wolters . Ages 7+