About LWDA Innovative Arts Education

 
 

 

So...What does LWDA Do Anyway?


LWDA is a leader in Performing Arts Curriculum and Arts Education delivery. We specialize in a one-of-a-kind approach in combining an Academic Subject with every style of Dance that we teach. Versed in over 7 different Dance Disciplines, our programming prepares students for the professional world of Dance, while fortifying each participant with an arsenal of: history, professional etiquette, career competency, nutrition education, improved fitness, state content standards of Reading Comprehension, Performing Arts and Physical Education, improved memorization and literacy, well developed Artistry, and more; through our unique brand of cross-disciplinary applications of Dance and Academics. Students and adults of all ages benefit from LWDA. Whatever the goals are for positive engagement and achievement, LWDA will help accomplish them.

 

 CLICK HERE to view what the Long Beach Unified School District has to say about LWDA!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LWDA Innovative Arts Education Program

LWDA does not expect or exclusively accept perfectly trained individuals! We encourage and train Dancers at their current talent and ability levels, then support them by working with them to increase their technique and reach their goals. Various styles of Dance are introduced, and artistic and creative competencies are challenged as well. Formally trained Dancers are given more intricate and challenging material, atune with their developing abilities and aspirations. The enrollment session procedures commence with the Welcome and New Dancer Orientation.

LWDA Student Performance Units

There are four major divisions whereby students are enrolled. In order to maintain proper retention of material as well as have proper professional monitoring of progress and safety in each classroom.

 

LWDA Junior Unit (JU).

Grades: Pre-k - Kindergarten

Ages: 2-5

LWDA Elementary School Unit (ESU).

Grades: 1-5

Ages: 6-11

LWDA Middle/High School Unit (MHSU).

Grades: 6-12

Ages: 12-18

LWDA College to Adult Unit (CAU).

Grades: College Level+

Ages: 19-Adult

Student Participation Requirements

Students will be required to maintain an average GPA of a 2.5, or "satisfactory/at grade level/passing" academic status to participate and remain in the program. LWDA monitors progress and keeps track of attendance through our LWDA I.A.E. Database. Students and parents will also be required to read, acknowledge and sign a behavior contract outlining inappropriate behavior not allowed and grounds for removal from the program. A waiver of liability will also be issued, as the program is of an athletic nature, and injuries may occur. This in mind, LWDA takes all precautions possible to avoid unnecessary injuries.

 

 
 

Scheduling For Schools and Host Facilities

The LWDA Innovative Arts Education Program is LWDA's main Program offering. It is held at the host facility's stationary location to maintain continuity and material retention. Check back here for updates on school site locations.

Adapted versions of our LWDA Programs, including our main program offering, have the capacity to be mobile, and typically run during after school hours, between the hours of 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM. However, accomodations for alternate hours (Summer Sessions) or In-School time can be made, depending on the circumstance. Schools or host facilities interested in programming may choose the 2 hour block that best suits their after school schedules. The Program generally runs the entire course of a full academic year. Shorter schedules may also be accommodated for, within reason (ex. 8 weeks, 6 months etc.). Contact must be made to the LWDA Administrative Team no less than 12 weeks prior to the desired start date of a host facility.

Enrollment

The career goals that each student seeks to achieve, or the atmosphere or climate that a host facility desires as a result of incorporating our comprehensive program, will determine how many days per week and how much educational participation to select. 2 Program Days per week are typically standard and recommended, for ensured retention of material. Students are enrolled into the LWDA I.A.E. Database, and tracking of Academic Progress, Technique Proficiency and Wellness Levels are consistently done. LWDA works with parents and school administrators to ensure that each student strives for and achieves success both at their schoolwork and in their professional Artistic pursuits through LWDA.

 

LWDA Innovative Arts Education Program Facets Include:

 

  • Professional Dance instruction from a seasoned, accomplished Dance Artist.

  • 7 Dance styles rooted in State Content Standards for Reading Comprehension, Performing Arts and Physical Education. Dance styles will rotate throughout the Academic year. The 7 Dance Disciplines Include: West African Dance, Tap, Ballet, Salsa, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary Dance and Urbanity.

  • The Program (Dance Technique, LWDA ROHP and CDA) is 2 hours long, each meeting period (Except Junior Unit).

  • Cross-Disciplinary Applications (CDA) of Dance and academics with functional assignments connecting dance history, real world applications of academic subjects building career competencies.

  •  15 minute LWDA Rules of Healthy Practice© (ROHP)-Healthy snack/meal and Nutrition Education Lesson between instruction times.

  • Professional Guest Choreographer workshops: 2 times per year.

  • Educational field trips: 3 times per year.

  • Seasonal performances at home school or facility.

  • Lecture Demonstration performances at neighboring schools and professional community venues.

  • 4 Service Learning Projects:

(a.) Agricultural Learning and Self Sufficiency Skills

(b.) Entrepreneurial Skills

(c.) Reading and Advocating Literacy to Next Generation Youth

(d.) Cleaning the Local Environment.

  • Performances at renowned locations in various cities, fostering program and business collaborations.

  • Individual Career preparation within the Dance and Major Performing Arts Sector.

  • LWDA DANCE COMPANY grooming, prep, rehearsals and special performances (for MHSU and CAU Divisions).

 

Mobile LWDA Innovative Arts Education Program Benefits Include, But Are Not Limited To:

  • Students stay at their school, home facility or central location, versus having to be taxied to another site.
  • NO REGISTRATION FEES or Performance Fees.
  • All donations and Tuition Payments are 100% Tax-Deductible
  • Less expensive per month for the value of the programming and curriculum included, than local dance "classes" at traditional studios.
  • Health and wellness improvement.
  • GPA elevation, academic retention and enhancement.
  • Test preparation skills.
  • Professional Career Development.
  • And, all the included program facets listed in the descriptions above!

 

Research has proven, time and time again, that the Arts are integral to the whole and well rounded learning of a child. LWDA is on the move to be the Leader of Comprehensive Innovative Arts Education across the U.S. 

“A panel of researchers in kinesiology and pediatrics conducted a massive review of more than 850 studies about the effects of physical activity on school-age children. Most of the studies measured the effects of 30 to 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity three to five days a week on many factors — physical factors such as obesity, cardiovascular fitness, blood pressure and bone density, as well as depression, anxiety, self-concept and academic performance. Based on strong evidence in a number of these categories, the panel firmly recommended that students should participate in one hour (or more) of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. Looking specifically at academic performance, the panel found strong evidence to support the conclusion that ‘physical activity has a positive influence on memory, concentration and classroom behavior.’

Dance education has important benefits for students’ social relationships, particularly among genders and age groups. Many forms of dance, including ballroom, are inherently social. They involve moving together in synchrony and empathy, with direct physical contact. In an evaluation of Dancing Classrooms in New York City, 95 percent of teachers said that as a result of dancing together, there was a demonstrable improvement in students’ abilities to cooperate and collaborate. In a survey in Los Angeles, 66 percent of school principals said that after being in the program, their students showed an increased acceptance of others, and 81 percent of students said they treated others with more respect. Dance has economic benefits, too. As well as being a field of employment, dance promotes many of the personal qualities that employers recognize as essential in a collaborative, adaptable workforce.”

(Excerpted from the new book You, Your Child and School: Navigate Your Way to the Best Education by Sir Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica. Published by Viking, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. Copyright © 2018 by Ken Robinson).

 

 

Past Program Sites

2018

Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club

LWDA I.A.E. Program

4245 N Kingshighway Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63115

 

 

2016

Mary and Sam Boyd Boys and Girls Club

LWDA I.A.E. Pilot Program

 

1608 Moser Drive Henderson, NV 89011 

 
 

2012-2013

Roosevelt Elementary School

LWDA I.A.E. Program

 

1400 E 20th St. Long Beach, CA 90806

(Interim Location)

 

 

 

If our Innovative Arts Education Program facets interest you, your business, organization or facility, please contact us via the information provided. Logistical planning can then commence to best suit your needs. We look forward to hearing from you!