Dance School Blog

Late Ray Charles had lost his sight at the age of seven and his younger brother, two years earlier. The world he was once saw and basked in its beauty and serenity had become dark and misty. In the face of hardship and seemingly insurmountable mountains as he travelled wearily on life’s path, he found solace in music which turned out to be an escape route that late Ray Charles walked upon triumphantly into stardom. Such was the life of this great artiste (though blind), who played the piano with dexterity that “RAY” a biopic movie was released in 2004 starring Jamie Foxx and directed by Taylor Hackford. Our parents would certainly have a nostalgic feeling, reliving hit songs such as “I got a woman, Georgia, Hit the road Jack, amongst others and with a dozen Grammy awards and others coupled with ground breaking achievements recorded in his profile, Ray Charles who passed on to glory on June 10,2004 was truly a legend.

“This track is so delicious , I go by the way of Cobilicious” was the intro of the rap lyrics Cobhams Asuquo reeled out in Dekunle Fuji’s successful track “No Lele”, though many Nigerians were unaware of his ‘nil vision state’. His popularity soared amongst the populace when he performed the beautiful thought provoking chorus in the song “Lagi Mo” (The Roof Top Mcs) which saw the song hitting the number one spot on some Nigerian chart shows. He won the HIP Hop world Awards 2007 for the “producer of the year category”, increasing the number of statuettes he’d already received. He is presently one of the highly sought after producers in the music industry, making guest appearances on TV programmes and reality show (Project Fame West Africa, season 1) along with the solicitation for his services which extends to Corporate bodies, banks (Sky bank’s advert with the Akuna matata song)

The icy hands of death almost took away Yinka Ayefele in 1999 when he was involved in an auto crash. The crash affected his spinal chord and sentenced him to life on a wheel chair. Through the fiery trials and the stop of the pity partying, he was bold enough to put the ordeal behind him, and bursting forth like water from a rock to quench our thirst with refreshing exciting gospel flavour. Fame, fortune, local and international awards have willingly found their way into his life.

The Naija music terrain can boast of this duo who have succeeded on its stage, but can the same be said of the movie industry. We’ve seen physically challenged roles(visually impaired/ lame) being performed by able bodied thespians to the best of their abilities, but wouldn’t it be a surprise to millions of movie viewers for medically proven, physically challenged people to naturally perform such roles assigned to their able bodied counterparts. Who says there are no talented ones among them whose  acting skills can’t be brushed up, after all not every A-list thespian studied theatre arts or attended schools that specialized in harnessing such talents.

There are a lot of talented physically challenged people out there rotting away simply because no one has dared to give them a chance. After all the scripts can be converted into Braille letters for them to read, at least we know their sense of hearing is hyper functional than that of the sight seeing fellow. Quite a number of TV Reality shows have hit the screens these past couple of years(dominantly in the Entertainment sector) with new ones emerging by the day, such as Gulder Ultimate search, AMBO, Next movie star, The Intern, Maltina Family dance all, Star Quest, Football with Fash, The Twelve Ambassadors, Big Brother Nigeria, Apprentice Africa, Idols West Africa, Nokia First Chance, Project Fame West Africa.

No reality TV show has been made for the physically challenged probably borne out of fear of not securing sponsors (who are focused on making returns for their investments), or fear of outright rejection by the teeming viewers. Who says a reality show that the physically challenged can function in can’t be conceived and birthed, its all about ingenuity and who can tell whether such a reality show can end up being the best among the lot, nothing is impossible!

No one chooses to be born with a disability, a microscopic percentage makes a touch down on plant earth with disabilities, while a dominant proportion can be attributed to ‘the carelessness of man, accidents and in some cases ‘African remote controlled incidents. Stevie wonder and late Ray Charles were given opportunities to clinch the tickets to stardom, which they appreciatively did, simply because someone believed in them and created opportunities for them to show the world what they had . Let’s help the physically challenged live their dreams in Nigeria , for there is without an iota of doubt, ability in disability!.

So long… auggiepo@yahoo.com

Augusta okon

These are not the only benefits of putting your child in daycare, though being able to get back at work so you can keep the home-fires burning and take care of the family better is a distinct advantage; the child at a quality daycare facility benefits from being in a safe, healthy and hygienic environment with needs for food, play and washing up all taking care of.

With other children also present at the daycare, from babies to toddlers to pre-primary or even primary school children (that come in after attending school), your child at daycare learns to live in a social environment and learns new skills such as communication, interactivity play and team games besides values such as sharing, table manners, importance of obeying rules and being in a structured environment. So, when your child is ready to go to school, he or she has some sort of foundational base already about performing in a structured environment thanks to daycare training! It’s much like thinking of daycare as your child’s first school and outside community living experience that helps him or her learn to interact with other kids – like a unique and playful learning environment.

Children make friends, learn to follow rules, play turn by turn, learn good habits such as nap-time and putting away toys after finishing with them; a good childcare facility will have trained personnel and teachers to involve children in a variety of fun activities such as painting, puppetry, motor-skills expansion games and clay or sand-play besides music, dance and reading classes so not only does the child imbibe a whole new world of play-way method learning but attending a daycare also reduces the chances of separation anxiety for them when they finally have to go to school.

Thus, daycare essentially makes it easier for both the child and the parents to adapt to school life better and faster, as basic number, alphabet and speech concepts have already been picked up by most kids attending daycare regularly besides important socialization skills.

Most daycare centers also encourage a classroom-styled environment for older kids about to enter proper school so they are not intimidated by the first experience at the school and thus it is sort of a preparatory step towards formal schooling – albeit in a fun environment.
Daycare facilities also have teachers on the payroll, many of whom supervise timely homework schedules being adhered to by older, school-going kids and also guide them on various subjects, so parent’s burdens are lessened.

Thus, with a bunch of benefits – from meals, nap, games, studies and safety taken care of by quality daycare centers, parents have a great deal going for them if they pick the right one for their child; but, of course, they still need to play the Mommy-Daddy once the child gets home, right from the hug, to the ‘how did your day go’ and ‘glad to have you back,’ routine – it works to keep the children feel loved and cherished.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/daycare-centers-their-effects-on-children–740387.html

Nonprofit Organization Survival Tips:

Surviving and Thriving in Tough Economic Times

Seth Bloom, Bloom Consulting, Inc.

Recession, inflation, deflation, correction, etc., whatever you want to call what we’re going through the simple fact is that many of us have already made adjustments at home and in our businesses, and most of us may need to consider further belt-tightening in the near future. As community leaders, many of us are also wrestling with the impact this economy is having on our nonprofit organizations. As consultants specializing in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and leadership development, Bloom Consulting has had extensive experience with the financial challenges that all nonprofits face from time to time, and we recognize the difficulties that the current situation poses. Fortunately, we believe there are ways to reduce its impact and insure that your nonprofit not only survives, but thrives, in the days ahead.

This list is for anyone with a common sense approach to surviving and thriving in tough economic times. While nonprofit organizations should consider many of these initiatives, they may not all apply to every nonprofit. Yours may have already adopted some, while others may seem too simple or too difficult. Chances are you’ll find a few here to consider, and undoubtedly others will stimulate your own creative ideas.

The Big Picture

Don’t panic! The good news is that nonprofits have weathered economic storms before. That being said, we all realize this will be a challenging period.

Many of the recommendations translate into cutting back, or asking more of others. Fortunately, not everyone is being as adversely affected by the economy as others, and some may even be doing quite well. Keep in mind that some people can and will respond by doing more.

Communicate! Keep your supporters and staff informed about actions you’re taking and how they can be part of the solution, whether through their increased financial support, or simple things such as turning off lights when they walk out of a room or wearing a sweater inside the building since the heat is turned down a few degrees.

Ask your staff and volunteers to offer suggestions of ways to save money or raise funds. Instill a sense that the organization is theirs… and that its challenges are theirs to meet. .

Don’t be penny wise but dollar foolish. If the roof needs fixing and neglecting it will only cost you more in the long run. Bite the bullet. Compelling needs will be supported.

Mindset/Behavior Changes:

Ask a volunteer (or a few) to host or underwrite a social reception for distinct groups such as long-standing contributors, seniors, young families, etc. Doing so can shift some of the financial burden off of the organization budget, and you’re offering these groups something for nothing – a great way to demonstrate appreciation, increase involvement, strengthen retention, etc.

Everyone should have a will and everyone can include something for their favorite nonprofit organization, even if it’s contingent upon any money being left after other bequests have been made. Leadership should set the example by signing Letters of Intent. Just imagine how much easier this tough economic period would be if generations before had established a sufficient endowment fund generating supplemental income. This is our obligation for generations to come.

Maximize all recognition opportunities, whether for financial contributions, in-kind services or volunteer time. While public recognition – honor roll lists, plaques, etc., – is very effective, it’s not the only option and other ways are also greatly appreciated. Sometimes a handwritten note or phone call to say “thank you” will go a long way. Inspire others and positively reinforce desired behaviors through lists, stories, announcements, etc.

You may need to use your line of credit from the bank to get through some rough periods. If you don’t have a line of credit, don’t assume it’s impossible to obtain one now. While credit has been extremely tight and lines of credit may generally be less available than they were prior to the downturn, if your nonprofit has a good relationship with its bank, you should be able to obtain one. If your credit worthiness is shaky, consider asking individual financial supporters to co-sign on your behalf.

Consider “borrowing from yourself.” Your organization’s rainy day may be here, so it’s OK to access endowment/reserve funds, ideally with a plan to repay the borrowed amount for a future rainy day.

Remember, not everyone is being adversely affected by the economy. Form a Task Force to identify real needs and identify potential sources of funding. Develop a menu of programs to address the identified needs and make them available to select prospects for funding. For example, the need for program expansion or facility enhancement may resonate particularly well with potential donors.

Don’t apologize for asking for support or for considering cost savings. To the contrary, supporters will want to know you’re being good stewards of their support.

Keep in mind, if you don’t ask, the answer is always “no.”

Cost savings:

Where possible, renegotiate terms on longstanding contracts as they come up for renewal. Shop around.

Minimize postage. Consolidate mailings and ask supporters and members to receive information such as your newsletter, membership directory and program announcements through e-mail.

If your organization doesn’t do so already, require reservations in advance for events where food will be served so excess food won’t be ordered. Consider rescheduling/canceling programs with limited interest. Charge people who register but don’t show up.

Install a thermostat timer and zoned heat/air conditioning. Install light switches with motion sensors, programmed to turn lights on when someone enters a room and turn them off after not sensing any motion in the room after a few minutes. These are particularly cost-effective in bathrooms!

Educate your staff about your monthly utility bills and, where practical, challenge them to help reduce the bottom line. For example, encourage everyone to wear a sweater in cooler months and turn off their computers at the end of the day. Communicate monthly results.

If a vacant position can be left unfilled for the time being without adverse consequences, consider delaying the hiring. In extreme cases, you may need to consider a temporary salary/hiring freeze and/or layoffs. Consider using an intern and/or volunteers rather than hiring a new staff member. Inform your staff about volunteer opportunities that may otherwise require hiring someone … office personnel, lawn maintenance, etc. There may be recently unemployed individuals associated with your organization who would welcome the opportunity for meaningful volunteer work.

Consolidation and collaboration can produce significant cost savings. For example, a small class could become one class. Co-sponsoring events will enable your organization to share expenses while increasing your exposure to a new constituency.

Consider bulk purchasing of staples such as cleaning and office supplies. Band together with other nonprofit organizations in order to negotiate lower fees.

Establish a co-op program offering all affiliates opportunities to serve the organization through service or to pay a nominal fee. Service can include committee work or actual hands-on cost savings services, but ultimately, your supporters will be more engaged – and committed.

Evaluate every program … question everything. If only a handful of people are coming to a particular program, perhaps it’s time to eliminate, modify, or at least to readjust the number of times the program is offered.

Take advantage of every store program offered to nonprofits … supermarket scrip, free credit card programs, etc. Establish a committee of your thriftiest shoppers to manage this effort.

Increase income:

Identify and prioritize, distinguishing real needs from things that would be nice to have or do. Secure funding for these needs, whether it be through a “quiet campaign” among supporters or through an organization wide campaign.

Your board should be the best informed group regarding the impact of the downturn, and board members may be among the most inclined to make additional elective contributions. Consider asking board members to make a contribution toward a defined goal, as if there were a mini-campaign. The goal could correspond to a budget shortfall or the amount needed to preserve an important program, as long as the things to be paid for are among your identified needs. Depending on magnitude of the needs, consider approaching select major donors. If the goal is substantial enough to require universal support, publicize after 50% or 60% of the goal is reached, and state the challenge to make contributions toward reaching the total goal.

Have leadership – officers, board, staff – identify 1 – 3 people perceived to have significant wealth and/or access in order to nurture/establish a relationship, identify areas of interest, and ultimately ask for their support.

Identify potential new donors by considering people formerly affiliated with your organization, relatives of current supporters, donors to similar organizations, etc.

Consider a single, annual ask for your potential major donors to help support operations of the organization rather than solicitations for every event/initiative. Price it high enough to cover the cumulative of top categories of every event. Don’t solicit these people again, but invite them to attend and recognize their support.

Rater higher-end prospects and pre-solicit them in advance of fundraising events in order for you prospective donors to have a sense of a specific gift to consider.

Offer sponsorship opportunities of events, your website, etc., to local businesses. Such sponsorships create win-win partnerships with businesses by providing visibility to the community. For businesses, donations are often considered a marketing expense.

If your nonprofit is considering dues or other fee increases, make modest annual adjustments rather than hitting people with a significant increase all at once.

Offer free estate planning seminars highlighting tax savings options, including planned giving.

Maximize use of your building by renting available space to outside groups (bingo, dance clubs, etc.).

Charge outside vendors a fee to be eligible for use in your facility … caterers, florists, etc. All vendors should be asked for their financial contributions.

Offer babysitting on site for a nominal fee during events, business hours, and programs. Not only will this be an appreciated service, it’s conceivable you can secure volunteers to provide the service and/or receive enough income to make a modest profit for the organization.

Constantly urge supporters to consider matching gifts programs available through their employer. Often schools or programs open to the community are eligible for corporate matches.

Conclusion:

Chances are at some point the current economy will challenge your nonprofit organization to consider creative strategies for minimizing the impact on your delivery of service. This cannot be a period of “business as usual.” While there are many external factors beyond your control, there are many initiatives to consider to enable nonprofits continue to fulfill their mission. The organizations that embrace this challenge will be the organizations that will survive the current situation and thrive in the long-run.

Seth Bloom is President of Bloom Consulting, Inc. Bloom Consulting specializes in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and leadership development. www.bloomconsultinginc.com

Seth Bloom
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-profit-organizations-articles/surviving-and-thriving-in-tough-economic-times-677097.html

Just a few years ago, Kim Gibilisco, a choreographer, dancer and Polestar- and Stott Pilates–trained instructor, was teaching private Pilates sessions in her Manhattan studio. Today, she is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, and the woman responsible for bringing a Pilates mat certification program to the school. Here she discusses how she came to be SU’s Pilates Program Coordinator and where Pilates fits in the university setting.

PP: How did the idea of a collegiate Pilates program come about, and what did it take to convince school officials?
KG: When I accepted my position in the Dance Department at SU, my chairperson, Erica Helm, and I discussed the possibility of offering a Mat Teacher Training course to our students. I designed the curriculum in the summer of 2005 then applied for Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) approval as an Educational Member. Applying to the PMA was an important part of the process, as I wanted to be sure that our program was properly sanctioned. I also wanted to ensure that our graduates could apply for PMA membership and be accepted into Apparatus programs in the future if they wanted to pursue more. The Mat program was approved and we began running the program in Fall 2005. The program was embraced from the very beginning by our university.

PP: How did you design the curriculum and what are the requirements?
KG: I designed the curriculum specifically for a student population (ages 19-25) who may not have had any experience with the method. One semester of college level anatomy is required to enroll. Since our students are in a four-year program (versus typical weekend-based training seminars), I wanted to capitalize on the available time I had to teach the material. I determined that a two-semester sequence was the most effective way to teach the material to this population.  Students must earn at least an 84% in the first semester to advance to the second semester.

The first semester entails 2 hour of Mat experiential and 1 hour of lecture per week. In the second semester, students take Mat once a week with me. Then students rotate in teaching the whole group a Mat class once a week. Following a student Mat class, participants offer feedback on the effectiveness and teaching style of the student instructor. In the second semester, the lectures focus on teaching methods and class design. Using their understanding of the Trilogy, the 6 Pilates Principles (control, centering, concentration, flowing movement, precision and breath) and the 5 Pilates Lab Principles (use of inhalation and exhalation, pelvic floor, restorative poses, visual gaze and neutral spine) students design a class with a theme or concept they want to address. Written and practical midterms and finals are also administered.

Using some of the Mat Teacher Training models I researched, I designed the curriculum to include lectures and practicums that I believe are important in becoming a well-rounded teacher of the method. For example, our students are tested in physical practicums where they must demonstrate their mastery of the 34 exercises as well as in teaching practicums where they must demonstrate their ability to teach confidently and effectively. I also wanted to offer students course work on the various props used in the Mat work, (e.g.: magic circle, foam roller and thera-bands and thera-ball) so that they did not need to attend continuing education courses outside of the university setting to develop their breadth of knowledge. In addition, I teach contra-indications for diabetes, orthopedic issues and pregnancy so that our graduates feel comfortable with teaching a variety of populations. What I stress the most is the importance of “knowing what you don’t know and to teach ONLY what you know.” For example, if a client asks them about an orthopedic issue that is out of their scope of practice, they know to refer them to a medical professional. Our students are taught how to self-assess and where to look for more information if they are unclear.

PP: Are you the only instructor involved with the Pilates program?
KG: Yes, as per the PMA, all teachers must have at least 5 years of teaching experience to instruct teacher trainers.

PP: What type of students does the program attract?
KG: Up until 2007, we have had primarily dance majors enrolled in the program. However, this academic year our Music Theatre majors and staff have also enrolled and successfully completed the program.  For the 2008-2009 academic year, we have dance majors, music theatre majors, SU alumni and community members enrolled.

PP: Are students who complete all the requirements considered certified Pilates instructors?
KG: Only the PMA can “certify” teachers in the method. As an Educational Member of the PMA, our teacher trainers are given a certificate of completion with the SU and PMA logos on it.

PP: Is Pilates an actual major, and if not, how does it work into a student’s graduation plan?
KG: Our Teacher Training Program is an elective course that can fulfill a dance elective requirement.

PP: How many students have been through the program, and are they actively teaching now?
KG: We have had 26 students complete the Mat Teacher Training course of which 14 students are actively teaching Pilates Mat.

Jessica Cassity
http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/pilates-goes-to-college-717209.html

My brother is DJing a dance at an elementary school and he needs to think of some music. Today’s popular music would be good. But it has to be appropriate.

Most songs have edited or clean versions. So it really would,’t matter what you chose as long as it was filtered. I think the Black Eyed Peas, OutKast, and even some Lady GaGa songs would be great. Fun, Pop songs that everyone could relate to and sing would be great. That Fireflies song by Owl City would be a good choice. Down by Jay Sean, Bad Romance, 21 Guns, etc.

American summer camps for teens play very crucial part for their ability to broaden a young person’s mind in a relaxed and informal summer environment, normally out in the countryside. So, summer fun at teen summer camps is a good concept both for teens and for youth. For teenagers, the advantages are obviously there.

Please remember that Teen Summer Camps are generally very short term courses where teens go to have fun, arts and crafts, enjoy campfire songs, and sleep in cabins or tents in the wilderness. Campers join in games, art projects, audio-video recording, songs and dance lessons.

For the most part, a summer camp will offer you many projects ranging from sporting to more academic but all are still enjoyable. Camps normally consist of all the possible topics; cyber camps, computer camps, robotics camps and sports camps. In one of the most admired camp projects offered at very many camps the campers study media and film production. A great thing at some camps is that each teenager is permitted to use the original recordings to use in their portfolios.

Each camper, after completing a summer camp program, is awarded a diploma. It offers everybody an incentive to join and do well, and can be very beneficial as part of the teenagers resume, especially for getting part-time jobs.

More to the advantages of summer camps academically, they also offer for many kids, the first option to spend time away from abode. For this reason, summer camps expanding for the children that stay over-night. Yet, some of the younger and more nervous may not wish to stay overnight. Camp managements are usually provided with the option of dormitory accommodation or on-campus residence.

A camp instructor told me recently that their students leave the camp every summer with a sense of maturity, cultural enlightenment, heightened English efficiency and lifelong friends from around the world.

It is a fact that the social mix is usually broader than the schools these children attend at term-time, and this is how they hang out with teens from different backgrounds during the camp, and maybe even dissimilar nationalities too.

This means that campers learn different coping-skills whilst building their own support manner among their fellow campers. Their friendships are deepened during the often week-long summer camp experience.

That is why it is believed that the value of summer camps is less on what they actually do while at them, but it is the skills they promote at giving support to children to better lead life as they go away that are the most useful.

Remember the important aspect in the experience of summer fun at teen summer camps. It is for children entering grades 9 through 12 to learn new skills that can prepare them for the next grade level and the next big-step which is of course their beginning at college.

Ronald
http://www.articlesbase.com/teenagers-articles/teen-summer-camps-go-for-summer-funnlearn-at-a-teen-camp-735653.html