Education, performing arts, sports, playdates…the list goes on. The never-ending juggle of parenting can sometimes be challenging and tricky when building a schedule that works for everyone.
As a mother of two (9 and 12), my life is busy. There is a lot of cooking, cleaning, and shuttling from activity to activity. I wouldn’t change it for the world and I love how active both children are. I recognize how important it is to participate in extracurricular activities to give my children opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
Ideally, I would like to have each child enrolled in one sport and one form of art or performing arts class. My son plays the flute in band and plays on a soccer team. My daughter participates in ballet, gymnastics, soccer, and choir. Ideally next year she will just have two of the four activities. It does feel a little much, but she’s trying things out this year.
I love seeing my children playing sports. I’m definitely one of the annoying parents that cheers too loudly from the sidelines. I am a huge fan of team sports. I know from personal experience, the bonds made on the field reach far beyond the last call of the whistle. I still meet up with former teammates from a team I played with twenty years ago.
I also appreciate the value of the performing arts. My husband and I took dance lessons pre-kids and we enjoy going to shows. We are privileged to live in city with great local performers to watch and amazing schools to learn from. As a family, we regularly attend shows at Gateway Theatre, Carousel Theatre, and the Vancouver Opera. It is great to expose our children to theatre and encourage their appreciation for the performing arts.
During the month of April, BC Parent has shared a lot about the performing arts. I enjoyed the articles and expert opinions. I completely agree with what was recently shared by Linda Shirly of the Arts Conservatory about the performing arts. She believes “art education is essential because a strictly academic approach to learning fails to nurture a child’s inner creativity.”
Donna Mauer also shared with us the 3 benefits of a music education for kids – critical thinking, active listening, and emotional intelligence. She believes “one of the impacts that music education can provide is empowering children to go out into the world with creativity and confidence”.
Finally, Terrel Lefferts shared with us The 10 Reasons Why We Should All Dance. Terrel shared that “Studies have shown that dancing provides benefits for people of all ages, from motor development in infants, to enhanced communication in neurodivergent children, and even reversing mental disease and decline in older adults”. These are all great reasons to get your children and possibly yourself, involved in performing arts. It feels we can’t go wrong with whichever performing arts class or artform they choose to take part in.
On that note, here are some local performing arts organizations to choose from when looking for performing arts activities. Many offer summer camps which are the perfect opportunity to try something new and see what your child thinks of it.
VICTORIA, BC 250/382-3533
Summer Camps – Ages 4-5, 6-8, 9-12 and 9-14
artscalibre.ca
ArtsCalibre Academy supports students in finding their passion and purpose while fostering Artistic Excellence.
We are a Ministry Recognized and Accredited School from PreK To Grade 12.
We see students for who they are and help them thrive.
Our dynamic and diverse program is designed to challenge students academically, while encouraging exploration and development of their creative artistic talents.
ArtsCalibre students are:
Engaged in the learning process, Excited and creative learners, Creative artists, Performers and thinkers, Confident leaders who model initiative and are willing to take learning risks.
Vancouver, Surrey
artsumbrella.com
At the leading edge of dance education, Arts Umbrella’s School of Dance balances physical development with emotional and intellectual growth, helping students develop the tools needed for success in and out of the studio, advancing every dancer’s potential through a ballet-based program. Arts Umbrella Dance graduates are lauded for their professionalism and dedication, going on to join companies across North America and Europe.
1304 Seymour Street, Vancouver BC 778/379-2292
bazadance.com
Nourish your child’s love of dance at Baza Dance! In our weekly Dance Explorers class for 4-6 years and Hip Hop class for 7-9 years, creative minds and active bodies dance, hop, skip and jump through a fun exploration of imagination and movement! Join us for our Annual Baza Kids Open House on Sunday, April 7, 10:30am-12:30pm and dance with us!
129 East 8th Ave – Mount Pleasant – Vancouver (between Main St & Quebec)
colourstrings.ca
At Colourstrings Music, the Kodály & Colourstrings methods have revolutionized children’s music education. These approaches emphasize ear training, Solfege, sight-singing, and rhythm using age-appropriate songs, enhancing musical proficiency and academic performance. Children not only learn to understand and appreciate music deeply but also develop enhanced cognitive skills and increased confidence. Parents report remarkable improvements in their children’s focus and joy in learning.
North Vancouver, 604/929-2683 (COVE)
deepcovemusic.com
Deep Cove Music & Arts Centre offers many ways for children to explore their performance arts skills without previous experience required. During Summer Arts Day Camp campers (Ages 6-12) will explore the art of music, acting and filmmaking by creating their own movie and premiering it on the last day! At BandFactory Jam Camps (Ages 7-12) & (Ages 10-18) whether you are a beginner or advanced musician, come explore your instruments through musical games, learning to play your favourite songs or even writing your own original songs! Performance on the last day!
Surrey, 604/621-947
ejsfinearts.com
We are a fine arts school in Surrey established in 1999. We offer Music Lessons, Piano, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Drums , Voice. Art: Visual & Digital Art Classes. Dance classes focusing on Hip Hop Fusion, Bollywood. Musical Theatre Classes for 2024-25 Sleeping Beauty & Sound of Music Reaching for the Stars classes for Music, Art, Dance, Theatre for students 5-7 yrs
Coquitlam, 604/927-6555
evergreenculturalcentre.ca/schedule/
Located next to Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam, Evergreen Cultural Centre is proud to offer live arts events and programs for all ages and abilities. We believe access to the arts is an important part of building vibrant communities, so join us this summer to enjoy FREE outdoor performances, art exhibitions, seasonal camps, community celebrations and more.
Locations Throughout The Lower Mainland, 1-888/502-5253
info@lightsuptheatre.ca
lightsuptheatre.ca
At Lights Up, we teach musical theatre skills that help students shine on stage and in all aspects of their lives. We believe the true value of theatre is found in the process, rather than the final production.
Our students learn to work in teams, solve problems, build confidence, and be creative. Friendships are made and confidence is built in every session. Everyone is welcome at Lights Up!
Weekend Classes, After School Programs, Spring & Summer Camps for kids 3-18 across the Lower Mainland, BC
With 17 locations across British Columbia. Click here to find our lesson centre closest to you.
long-mcquade.com
Music lessons for every age, level, and style. At Long & McQuade, we believe every person is capable of acquiring the skills and knowledge required to make playing a musical instrument a rewarding activity. We have a wide variety of professional instructors offering year-round music lessons, both in studio and on-line. Private lessons and a variety of group programs available.
Surrey, 604/501-5566
surrey.ca/arts-culture/surrey-civic-theatres/surrey-spark-stages
SPARK Weekend of Performing Arts for Kids
May 24-26, 2024 at the Surrey Arts Centre
Join us for a weekend brimming with entertaining performances and activities for kids and families to share. This year we have spectacular shows on tour from Australia, Ireland, the USA and across Canada for babies, toddlers, and tweens. Show tickets include drop-in activities between shows like magic shows, dancing workshops and puppet making. Read all about it at surrey.ca/spark.
1272 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC 778-732-5044
tutuschool.com/northvancouver
Every child should know what it feels like to dance….This is the founding principle of Tutu School. We believe that motor skill development is enhanced by music, that young imaginations benefit from exploring enchanted worlds, and that twirling should be a part of any childhood. Tutu School is a boutique ballet studio for children 18 months through 8 years old. Come join us for a free trial class today!
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