The Sparkplug Dance News: Fall 2004
It's been a busy summer for creative dance and developmental movement in Eugene. An exciting fall is just around the corner. Get all your highlights right here in the Sparkplug Dance Newsletter!
Refresher: What is This 'Concept Based Dance' Thing Again?
Glad you asked! It's a method of teaching dance that focuses on the whole person - body, mind and spirit - based on exploring the elements of dance. Rooted in an approach that values the multiple intelligences, concept-based creative dance is expressive, thoughtful and inclusive of all abilities. The training Rachael has received is recognized and endorsed by many national and international organizations, including Dance and the Child International, The National Dance Educators Organization, the American Association of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance and the National Dance Association.
"Summer Camp" for the Dance Teacher:
Rachael participated this year in the Seattle Creative Dance Center's weeklong Institute for Returning Teachers. Rachael is certified to teach "brain-compatible concept-based creative dance" to all ages and abilities!
Summer '04 Community Outreach:
Teen Parents and Sparkplug Dance
The Eugene School District's teen parent summer magnet program draws young moms and dads with their babies and toddlers from the whole district to Churchill High School. Rachael volunteered this summer to work with the group. Participants learned why developmental movement is important for their little one's healthy brain growth and development, and enjoyed fun dance classes with their babies and toddlers.
Excited kids and Enthusiastic Caregivers make Downtown Dance and Art pARTies at DIVA a Smash Success
For seven weeks, Sparkplug filled the house at DIVA every Friday morning. Kids (mostly 2-5) and caregivers came to boogie and make art for FREE. Look for DIVA dance & art pARTies this fall.
Orthopedic Preschool Program Begins
Rachael taught the first of a series of classes for the kids, teachers and caregivers from the Eugene Orthopedic Preschool. Everyone zoomed, flowed and shaped!
Sparkplug Contributes to Disability Dance Teacher Training
The DanceAbility organization's annual summer training took place in Eugene this June/July, drawing teachers from many countries. Rachael led a workshop on creative dance for children of all abilities.
Summer Fun Abounds
If you haven't seen Rachael in a Sparkplug Dance class this summer, you may have seen her at the Eugene Rhythm Festival, Come Along With Me (a lovely music camp that explores the music of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales), or a family music and dance time at the Sheldon or Bethel Library. Whew!
Read All About It!
If you missed Rachael's July 25 Eugene Register-Guard article for Birth-To-Three on tummy-time, you can check it out for free here on the web page.
Fall Outreach, Workshops and Presentations:
Get Sparked Up This Fall!
Look for Rachael's four BABY DANCE TIME sessions at the Eugene Public Library, as well as more family movement times at the Sheldon and Bethel library branches. And watch for some fun dancing at Kids Day America September 18th! Rachael is also excited to co-teach an introductory class this fall in Massage, Music and Developmental Movement for Infants with music therapist and educator Bronywyn Holman of Minimusicians (www.minimusician.com )
Sparkplug Dance to Train Lane Childcare Provider Network
LANE FAMILY CONNECTIONS has contracted with Sparkplug Dance to train its network of childcare providers in developmental movement ideas to nurture little ones' brains and bodies, Sept.18 (www.lanecc.edu/lfc). Rachael will also offer a similar workshop for families, expectant parents, caregivers, educators, movement teachers, body-mind healing practitioners and other members of the community at Tamarack Wellness Center October 23. (Children under Age 3 welcome to attend. Register by calling 683-7506)
OAYEC Annual Meeting
Rachael will be presenting a workshop movement, learning and brain development on both days of the October 8-9 annual meeting of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (OAYEC) in Portland (www.oregonaeyc.org).
Presentation at OAHPERD Fall Conference
Rachael has also been invited to present a session on dance as a learning tool at the fall meeting of the Oregon Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Sherwood, Oregon, on October 8. (Learn more about this organization at www.oahperd.com.)
Fall Classes Coming up Fast!
The fall promises lots of fun classes for kids: babies, toddlers, pre-school, 5/7's and 7/9's. Click to read about fall classes.
Classes for teens and adults, too!
Intergenerational Dance and Art: A once-a-month fun opportunity to do some easy dancing and make some crafts for older people and little people! Offered Saturdays at 10AM, 9/25, 10/16 and 11/13, at Emerald Parks Community Center. (Register by calling 688-4052).
Bodies Feeling Better, a movement workshop for adults
We'll explore new ways to adapt and incorporate healthy movement patterning for all ages and abilities. In this class you will learn the many ways we can use physical experience to keep our brains nimble and our bodies strong. Offered November 16 at Tamarack Wellness Center. (Register by calling 683-7506.)
Classes at Hilyard Community Center
This fall check out Sparkplug's Creative Dance for teens and adults with developmental disabilities at Hilyard Community Center (www.ci.eugene.or.us/rec/specializedrec)
New Resources
Lots of brain-compatible and central nervous system resources have been added to this web site, under further reading. Books, videos, organizations dedicated to movement, learning, children and the brain!
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