Early Learning & Youth Programs

Dance is art in motion. And while dance instruction is designed to challenge each student, the rewards for the dancer and audience are exceptional.

For younger students, our focus is on large motor skills: balance, coordination, and basic dance positions and steps. Students learn how to interact with a teacher, participate in a classroom environment, organize their time and priorities, and, as they develop social skills across multiple age groups, begin to develop critical leadership skills. 

Fundamentals

• Fundamentals class is a beginning study of ballet. Whether your child has had ballet before or this is their first time; the dancers will continue to grow and learn more ballet vocabulary and movement. 

Combo

• This class is a classic two-in-one! Dancers will learn the fundamentals of ballet and also the basic rhythms and footwork of tap, all in one class!! 

Ballet

• These are our core curriculum classes and are most valuable in the training of any dance student. Students will learn and practice proper ballet technique and vocabulary with emphasis on alignment, strength, flexibility, coordination, musicality, and artistic expression. 

Jazz

• A blend of traditional jazz with current jazz styles. Focuses on body isolations, rhythmic development and artistic style. This fun, energetic class combines the techniques of hip hop and jazz at an appropriate skill level

Tap

• Our tap classes blend “rhythm style” “Broadway style” and “fun” emphasizing technique and clarity of sound. The main goals in the beginning tap levels are identifying, utilizing and demonstrating tap terminology as well as understanding tap as a form of entertainment. Higher levels of tap will begin to create more complex sounds and combinations while incorporating challenging tempos and rhythm changes to the students’ movements. 

Modern

• A form of dance exploring movement in terms of gravity, weight, space, focus and dynamics. Modern will expand an advanced dancers’ range of movement and is also a great class for the older and new dancers who are wanting to explore dance. Classes are based on a variety of techniques including Horton and Graham.

Musical Theater

• Combining the best of both worlds, students learn the basics of musical theater. Develop cooperation, basic techniques, and self-confidence you’ll carry with you forever!

Lyrical

• This style combines ballet and jazz techniques, performed to music with lyrics to inspire expressions of strong emotions. 

Private Lessons

• Private dance lessons are a great way to learn new dance styles or improve you existing techniques. Our dance instructors love what they do and pour themselves into making sure you get the attention you need.
• The benefits of private lessons include receiving instruction tailored to your individual needs and interests. Focus on your goals and move at your own pace. Each lesson is personalized. You can schedule as many classes as you want, depending on your goals.

The benefits of music education can’t be overstated. Students gain confidence, learn self-reliance, and engage with the arts on a deep, personal level. Students also build self-discipline, learn to prioritize their lives and schedules, and hone collaborative skills they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Plus, they’ll have fun throughout the whole process!

Keyboarding and Popular Piano

• Designed for ages seven-plus,  and taught by Diego Santamaria, this group keyboard class was developed by Omar Arroyo Garcia. His method is based on developing creativity with all the keyboard has to offer: musical features, musical execution, and improvisation. Students will learn to play in groups (bands) or as a soloist. Students can choose to take this class in Spanish or English.

Group Guitar/Ukelele

• For ages seven-plus, this class is taught by Diego Santamaria. Have you always dreamed of playing the guitar? Well if so, this is the perfect class for you! Great for any student regardless of experience. We will learn the basics such as: chords, tabs, picking, and strumming!

Private Lessons

• Our one-on-one private music lessons are taught by specialized and credentialed teachers of the highest caliber in their various instruments. Private lessons ensure that the student is able to progress at his or her own pace and has the undivided attention of the teacher.
• We offer private lessons in voice, piano, brass, woodwinds, strings, guitar, and percussion for students of all ages and abilities. Click below to register for private lessons at Richland Academy of the Arts.

Drama teaches students valuable critical thinking and communication skills, along with character education. By working both collaboratively and individually on understanding and performing a script, students learn empathy, teamwork, and compassion. They are able to hone their analytical skills by examining multiple perspectives, cause and effect, and motivation. 

Little Black Box Theatre

• With instructor Megan Williams, students will explore The Journey of the Noble Gnarble (if class sizes allow). Students will learn the basics of theatre: working in an ensemble, moving on stage, singing, dancing, and creating as a group!

Teen Acting Institute

• Taught by Maria Getz Beery, in this class students will engage in an in-depth study of acting techniques and performance through script analysis, scene work and various acting methods. Along the way, they will learn the basics of creating a character through movement, voice and expression. Working with both a partner and on their own, students will be encouraged to take creative risks and make strong choices. The class will culminate in a performance of either a one-act play or a presentation of monologues and scenes using the techniques and skills learned in class.

Playwriting Workshop 

• Under the instruction of Maria Getz Beery, this workshop gives students the unique opportunity to explore the basics of playwriting by creating compelling characters, interesting conflicts, and engaging dialogue. Classes consist of a variety of brainstorming and “writing on your feet” exercises to inspire creativity through storytelling. Each student completes a full one-act play by the end of the semester with the option of presenting it in a staged reading format.

College Audition Workshop

• Our College Audition Workshop prepares students for the college theatre audition process. Students receive guidance in selecting contrasting monologues (both contemporary and classical, as well as dramatic and comedic) cut to specific run times. They will also have the option of selecting up to two contrasting musical theatre pieces. Class time will be used for blocking, working each piece, and reviewing the “do’s” and “dont’s” of college auditions so that they are “audition ready.” Each semester culminates in a student work showcase.

Private Lessons

• Learn the basics of theatre or work one-on-one with one of our professional acting instructors to further develop and expand your acting skills. 
  
  

The benefits of martial arts education stretch far beyond the simple physical movement and disciplines each class imparts. Martial arts training offers students the opportunity to grow as people and develop the values that allow us to push closer and closer to reaching our full potential. In each class students learn confidence, self-discipline, critical thinking skills, coordination, and so much more.

Kenpo 1, 2, 3 (for Children)

• Beginner Kenpo classes are designed for children with little or no martial arts experience. Classes are focused on the basic building blocks of the arts, including blocks, strikes, punches, kicks, stances, foot maneuvers, basic finger techniques, as well as core sets and forms. Each component stage offers a foundation for ongoing training. This practice, which is designed strictly for self-defense, will help children improve their self-confidence through drills that increase focus, power, speed, and overall physical abilities.

• White to Purple Belt Level
• Kenpo I –  Ages 5-8 – Tue and/or Thur 5:45-6:30 pm (New Students)
• Kenpo II – Ages 7+ – Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 pm (Returning Students)
• Kenpo IA – Ages 5-8 – Wednesdays 6:00-6:45 pm (New Students)
• Kenpo III – Ages 7+ – Tue and/or Thur 5:00-5:45 pm (Returning Students)*

*Placement required by instructor for Kenpo III

Kenpo for Adults (Ages 16+)

• Adult Kenpo classes are for students from beginner to advanced level martial arts.
• Beginner instruction focuses on basic skills, while intermediate and advanced students will begin to work on more sophisticated techniques. All students will learn techniques in self-defense and weapons training. Drills are designed to improve accuracy, power, speed, balance, focus, and confidence. Our classes focus on both striking and self-defense techniques.
• The more advanced student will learn sparring techniques, strategies, and combinations while incorporating offensive and defensive grafting skills. Advanced students will also learn more refined sets and forms of Kenpo like blocking, kicking, finger techniques, coordination, stances, striking and punching combinations, and weapons. Instruction also includes more in-depth self-defense techniques.All Belt Ranks Included
  Tuesdays 6:30 pm and/or Saturdays 9:00 am
  Ages 16+

As our kids get older, these abilities translate into thinking outside the box, seeing multiple ways to achieve a goal, being able to express oneself, and having a healthy self-image.