Monday, March 30, 2009

Little People's Creative Workshop Franchises Allow Children to Express Themselves

Press Release

Greenville, NC Kids need to have creative expression; it provides a feeling of accomplishment that helps them in other areas of their lives.[1] The arts can serve as a tremendous asset towards helping children develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.[2] Listed among the many benefits of dance are confidence strengthening and character building.[3] What’s more, the cultivation of creativity is a major component of programs and strategies designed to produce positive outcomes for youth.[4]

The Little People’s Creative Workshop concept fits hand in glove with today’s parents’ desire to provide every possible advantage to their children. [5] Not surprisingly, franchises that focus on children’s enrichment, in areas such as art and drama, are experiencing dramatic growth.[6]
American families are spending approximately $115.6 billion yearly on their children, presenting a powerful market opportunity.[7] And there’s no shortage of customers in sight – more than 73 million children under the age of 18 live in America, and their ranks are growing yearly.[8]

Early exposure to dance and theatre can have lasting benefits, including acquiring social and physical skills that will help children throughout their lives. Yet, dance professional Daune Pitman noticed two disturbing trends in dance classes for young children: either the little ones were being taught strict ballet, which was beyond their physical capabilities, or the classes were treated as playtime.
Seeking to establish a meaningful program, Daune developed Little People’s Creative Workshop (LPCW). LPCW classes are age-appropriate and taught by trained professionals. They are largely held in daycare centers and preschools, which puts them within reach of children who may not otherwise be able to take them.
Established in 1991, Little People’s Creative Workshop is now the largest organization teaching dance to children in the U.S. They are augmenting their steady growth with expansion, via franchising.
Little People’s Creative Workshop provides full franchise support services, such as complete training, a comprehensive operations manual, ongoing program oversight, and marketing expertise. Interested parties should contact them at www.LPCWfranchise.com or call toll-free 1-866-977-LPCW.


[1] Stuart, Elizabeth. “Children find creative outlet at Provo celebration.” Deseret News. 8 Jun 2008. Accessed 18 Aug 2008
[2] Kristal, Nicole. “Those Who Can Do, Teach (Acting).” The Actor’s Resource Backstage. 16 Jun 2006. Accessed 19 Aug 2008
[3] Miller, Corina. “Woman’s life spent inspiring…” The Dallas Morning News. 16 Sept 2006. Accessed 19 Aug 2008
[4] Brockman, Michael S. and Russell, Stephen T. “Creativity.” Accessed 18 Aug 2008
[5] Wilson, Sara. “Coming of Age.” Entrepreneur. Aug 2007. Accessed 20 Aug 2008
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] “How to Start a Kid-Focused Business.” Accessed 19 Aug 2008

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Are You Ready to Ride the Wave?

There have been many articles lately by top business authorities acknowledging how wise it is to start a business now while all the economic turmoil spins about.  Looking through history these are the times that the most prosperous and successful businesses begin.  So many people wait until "things appear optimum" and "good times" arrive----this is quite often a mistake.  The businesses that begin in not so optimum economic times are the ones that are fully prepared and ready for the WINDFALL of business that always follows a recession/economic decline.

Children's services are doing very well, despite the economic climate.  Parents will choose to cut out many other things from the budget before cutting out a special enrichment activity for their children.  When the economy begins to rebound---these types of classes experience a complete FLOOD of new students and business.

Don't hesitate to follow your dream based on all the negative media that we are constantly bombarded with daily.  We encourage you to move forward and take action---so you can be ready in the near future when demand will be amazing for children's activities.

Just as we saw in the 30's---people always turn to art/entertainment to soothe themselves in hard times----they want to do the same for their children.  

If more of our leaders had been trained and had experience in the arts---they would be much more creative thinkers out there making better decisions!  :)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

School Teachers See the Benefits of Dance in Students

A few comments from school teachers about the benefits of dance for children:

  • “Dance for children is much needed -- along with physical education, because it explores their potential in movement ... on any size, shape, or color of body.”
  • “I get a lot of feedback from classroom teachers who say, ‘I can tell these children have been with you and had dance because they are more assertive — not aggressive, but more assertive in their thinking and being able to share their thoughts.’”
  • Dance is a good experience for children who have a hard time sitting down. Once they come to dance and burn off some of that energy, they can focus on more sequential, factual information.”
  • Boys do like to dance. I start them off using the word ‘movement.’ Some boys are beautiful at movement. They get to explore that. Girls widen their perspective. They see that it is not just one style — dance is about what you think, what you feel, what you see.”

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Owning Your Own Business?????? Has It Been In the Back of Your Mind?

Whether you have always dreamed of being a business owner---or have never thought of it before; now is a great time.  Corporate American has burned out so many people and professionals are seeing the benefit of having control of their career and income.  There is no better investment that owning your own business---it is a great way to express your creativity and strengths, enjoy what you do, and not worry whether you will have a job tomorrow or not.  If you are someone that loves young children and desires to invest in their lives---it is a wonderful time to explore the opportunity of doing what you love as a career.

If you work with young children---we would love to hear from you!  Share your great stories with us and what you have learned by working with little ones in dance.  Quite often they teach us more than we teach them! :)

Monday, March 16, 2009

Dance Teachers and Director Needed....

We have come across a need for a preschool dance instructor in the Philadelphia suburban area; as well as western NJ area with Little People's Creative Workshop.  If you (or anyone you know) is interested---be sure to send your resume and cover letter to:  LPCWphilly@aol.com  It is a great opportunity for anyone that loves dance and young children.  Don't miss out!  Pass the word.

Little People's Creative Workshop is also looking for an individual to fill a Regional Director position in the Raleigh, NC area.  Resumes need to be submitted by April 15th to:  LPCW@me.com  This position oversees the program and instructs classes.  Great opportunity!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Parents Not Giving Up on the Arts, Even in Bad Times

Numerous polls have shown that parents are not giving up and cutting out the arts in the family budget when it comes to their children.  Most parents see and experience the benefits that dance, theatre, and music provide in their child's life.  In our own program we have seen a great jump in enrollment this early spring; and continue to receive inquiries of new families that want to get their young ones involved in dance.  One positive of hard economic times is that we get to really see what is important to people---and it is obvious that arts enrichment stands out above the others!  Bravo!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Inspirational Quotes

Everyone needs inspiration!  Here's a small collection of some great quotes:
Art does not consist of making a living or producing an objet d'art or in self-therapy, but in finding a new soul. ~Henry Miller
You have to care so much that you can't sleep, you can't eat, you can't talk to people...You can't do it without passion. ~Agnes de Mille
It is our duty as men and women to proceed as though limits to our ability do not exist. ~Teilhard de Chardin
Seize this very minute; What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
There are not days in life so memorable as those which vibrated to some stroke of the imagination. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action. And because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open...whether you choose to take an art class, keep a journal, record your dreams, dance your story, or live each day from your own creative source, above all else, keep the channel open! ~Martha Graham
Odd how the creative power at once brings the whole universe to order. ~Virginia Woolf
Take your work seriously, but never yourself. ~Dame Margot Fonteyn
The devil himself always seems to get into my inkstand, and I can only exorcise him by pensful at a time. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
My favorite thing is to go where I've never been. ~Diane Arbus
Inspiration will always sing; inspiration will never explain. ~Kahlil Gibran
There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anais Nin
It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
To follow without halt, one aim; there is the secret of success. And success? What is it? I do not find it in the applause of the theater. It lies rather in the satisfaction of accomplishmen~Anna Pavlova
Art is the only thing you cannot punch a button for. You must do it the old-fashioned way. Stay up and really burn the midnight oil. There are no compromises. ~Leontyne Price
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. ~Eleanor Roosevelt
I have never found...an enjoyment equal to sitting at my writing-desk with a clean page, a new theme, and a mind awake. ~Washington Irving
Not I, not I, but the wind that blows through me! ~D.H. Lawrence
Creative minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training. ~Anna Freud
Go out on a limb -- that's where the fruit is. ~Will Rogers

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Benefits of Dance in the Early Years.....


Physical Development 

Moving safely, imaginatively and with confidence 
Moving with bodily control, co-ordination, flexibility and balance 
The development of spatial awareness 
Dancing with props; developing manipulative skills 
Experiencing a range of gross motor movements and fine motor movements 
Keeping healthy - dance as part of a healthy lifestyle 

Creative Development 

Communicating ideas, thoughts and feelings non-verbally through movement 
Using the imagination to create ideas, characters and narratives 
Making movement responses 
Having an enjoyable, exciting and motivating time 
Working individually, with a partner and as part of a group 
Developing trust and co-operation 
Selecting and using movement ideas independently and with others 
Exploring feelings and views of self and others - including other cultures and beliefs 
Accepting the moral code on which discipline and courtesy within the group is based 
Interacting with a new social group 


Communication, Language and Literacy Development 

The use of sounds, music, words, poems, rhymes, texts and stories as stimuli for, and 
   accompaniment to dance 
The use of language to imagine and recreate roles and ideas in the dance 
Interaction - negotiating plans and activities and developing conversational skills 
Appreciation - talking about personal dance performance 
Observation - talking about the dance performance of others 
Developing a vocabulary of movement 

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Dance for Children Being Used in Many Powerful Ways...


Dance for children is now being used as a method of treating social, emotional, cognitive, and physical problems. Throughout the ages, people of many cultures have used dance to express powerful emotions, tell stories, treat illness, celebrate important events, and maintain communal bonds. Dancing harnesses this power of movement in a comfortable setting and uses it to promote personal growth, health, and well-being.
Quality dance programs for children are based on the premise that the body and mind are interrelated. Many dance therapists believe that mental and emotional problems are often held in the body in the form of muscle tension and constrained movement patterns. Conversely, studies have shown that the state of the body can affect attitude and feelings, both positively and negatively.
Dance movements promote healing in a number of ways. Moving as a group brings children of all ages out of isolation, creates powerful social and emotional bonds, and generates the good feelings that come from being with others. Moving rhythmically eases muscular rigidity, diminishes anxiety, and increases energy. Moving spontaneously helps children learn to recognize and trust their impulses, and to act on or contain them as they choose. Moving creatively encourages self-expression and opens up new ways of thinking and doing.
On a purely physical level, dance provides the benefits of exercise: improved health, well-being, coordination, and muscle tone. On an emotional level, it helps children feel more joyful and confident, and allows them to explore such issues as anger, frustration, and loss that may be too difficult to explore verbally. On a mental level, dance seeks to enhance cognitive learning.
Dance has a broad range of health benefits. It has been demonstrated to be clinically effective at improving body image, self-esteem, attentiveness, and communication skills. It can also reduce stress, fears and anxieties, as well as lessen feelings of isolation, body tension, chronic pain, and depression. In addition it can enhance the functioning of the body's circulatory and respiratory systems.
Dance has also been shown to benefit adolescent and adult psychiatric patients, the learning disabled, the visually and hearing impaired, the mentally handicapped.
This info was taken from the EduDance Site:  

Monday, March 9, 2009

Child Development and Dance.....

Children naturally communicate through movement.  They express their fears, excitement, and all other emotions with movement.  Dance for young children focuses on the following:

*  developing creativity
*  expressing emotion
*  building social skills
*  encouraging independence
*  building their self-confidence
*  stimulating mental processes
*  enhancing their physical development
*  expanding their rhythmic and body awareness

These young years are so important---and the very time to encourage these traits.  These are building blocks for the rest of their life, that will be used and needed in every arena.  

Friday, March 6, 2009

More About the Benefits of Dance for Young Children


Benefits of Dance, by Rachel Kemp

Toddlers love to move, stretch and jump. Teachers can introduce kids to new ways of moving their little bodies in entertaining and constructive ways. All forms of dance, and creative movement can be very beneficial. Kids should be introduced to exercise and physical exercise as early as possible. It might take a little more money, but in the long run it can pay off. Introducing your child to dance is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.
Dance promotes discipline, coordination, memory, flexibility, strength, line, grace and stamina. Performing builds positive self-esteem and confidence, helps with other sports, and is just great fun! All kids are capable of relating and understanding basic techniques that are shown to them and demonstrated properly.
The vocabulary they learn through dance can help them express themselves through movement and naturally incorporate it into their lives. Signing your child up in dance as soon as possible can be a great thing for him/her.
As long as children can listen and stay focused, no age is too young to get them started. Of course, forcing children into any activity is never healthy. It’s important to observe how they respond.
As children get older and more serious, the length of the class and the amount of class per week may increase. Again, it might mean more running around for you, but if your child is fortunate enough to find something he or she loves to do, it’s well worth the extra time and money. My parents ran around for me 4-5 times a week to participate in many classes, I don't know how they did it, but I’m so grateful, because I am now blessed to be making a living doing what I love.
Here you will find a teacher who inspires and has a true love and passion for what he or she teaches.
Remember the 4 D’s: DISCIPLINE, DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, DESIRE. Dance class can help your child conquer all four.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Needs of Little Ones.....

We have witnessed so very many dance classes over the many years of being in this industry.  You have the uninterested dance teachers that just want to 'get class over with'--and not the least bit interested in young children; treating their classes like some kind of sentence.  Then, you have the ones that think teaching 'Where is Thumpkin' and the 'Hokey Pokey' can actually count for dance instruction---they love the kids; but are teaching them zilch.  Then, there is the rigid, hard-core teacher that wants preschoolers to have perfect technique and stand at attention.  Then there is the misguided dance education majors that have been taught that preschoolers should be just fine and do nothing but walking and pausing for thirty minutes.  What a waste!

Young ones are capable and deserve so much more than this!  They crave eye contact, variety, challenges that are age appropriate, and passion for creativity!  Let's not waste this wonderful opportunity we have been given---to work with little ones.  We have a chance to make an investment for life!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Polls Show Dance Class Enrollment Holds Steady With Young Children

Several polls that have been conducted throughout the nation and on the internet show that parents are not cutting back when it comes to dance classes for their children.  They are finding other ways to cut back on their monthly budget.  Parents of older children that take 4-5 days per week are cutting back on the number of classes taken per week---but not cutting it out completely.

Dance for young children is a relatively inexpensive activity for parents to invest in---the very kind that in these tight times parents desire.  Young children only take one class per week and the average monthly tuition hovers around $45 per month.  That is an expense that most families can add to their budget without sacrificing much at all.  

While large studios that teach all ages and have huge overhead are feeling the negative side of this economy---mobile dance programs that concentrate on young children are not being effected.  Their overhead is extremely low and the cost of the classes is within reach of American families.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Mind and Body Benefits of Dance for Children

ARTICLE 
Dance provides youth with mind and body benefits 
By Debra Strickland 
FamilyTalk Magazine, March/April Edition 2006 
  
Many different types of dance classes are available for children, from modern dance, 
ballet, tap and jazz to dance that celebrates unique ethnic and cultural traditions.  What’s 
the most important thing for parents to keep in mind when choosing a dance class?  It’s 
that research has proven that dance provides physical, developmental and artistic benefits 

Physical Benefits - Students build muscle strength while increasing flexibility.  Young 
dancers develop a sense of balance and improve agility and coordination.  Importantly, 
children also develop body awareness and learn correct posture. 

These benefits extend beyond a student’s involvement with dance, helping youth involved 
in other disciplines, such as sports and martial arts.  Studies have shown that physical 
activity helps children relieve stress and feel relaxed.  It also is a great way to help your 
child develop a positive lifelong attitude about staying active and healthy. 

Developmental Benefits - Dance classes are fun and a great way to meet new friends.  
Young dancers develop essential social skills through interaction with other students.  
Group choreography fosters teamwork, communication, trust and cooperation.  Dance 
also has been proven to nurture important life skills, such as discipline and focus.  
Dancers naturally display confidence, self-esteem and poise.  These skills are developed 
through participating in dance performances. 

Artistic Benefits – One of the greatest benefits of dance is that it sparks a child’s 
imagination and nurtures individual creativity in a unique way.  Dance classes share the 
joy of physical self-expression in a supportive and structured setting.  This can have a 
positive impact on children who have limited physical abilities, who act out or who have a 
difficult time sitting still.  Involving children in dance also teaches the basic elements of 
creative movement, such as time, space, rhythm and design. 

While people may not be as familiar with modern dance as with ballet or jazz, modern  
 dance in particular honors the creative spirit and celebrates the individual.  Modern dance 
does not simply conform to conventional movements, shapes and patterns.  Instead, it 
requires the young dancer to learn movement from the inside out, nurturing the body and 
focusing the mind.  This form of dance especially is welcoming to children of all shapes, 
sizes and genders. 
  
There is one final reason to get your child dancing.  Research proves there is a strong link 
between involvement in the arts and increased educational achievement.  In fact, one 
study showed that “students who participate in the arts are not only more likely to 
participate in a math and science fair, but also out-perform their peers on the SATs by 87 
points” (www.artsusa.org).  These educational benefits are gained by students regardless 
of their socioeconomic status.   

There’s sure to be a dance class that fits your child’s interests and your schedule, so why 
wait?  Enroll your child in a dance class.  The lessons she or he learns will last a lifetime. 

Debra Strickland is the executive director of Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, southwest 
Michigan’s only professional modern dance company.  Debra holds a Master of Public 
Administration degree from Western Michigan University and has been passionate about 
working in the arts and women’s issues for nearly a decade. 

Monday, March 2, 2009

Encouraging Words for Monday......

We all hear of the constant budget cuts and layoffs these days.  It is important to not get bogged down with all the negative---successful individuals choose to see the positive in the negative.  For our industry we see that dance and theatre classes are being cut out in public school systems because there are not the funds to hire the staff to teach these classes.  That is a shame for our young children.  BUT, it opens an avenue for independent business owners to offer their services to these schools and organizations.  We can independently contract with school systems to offer these much-needed classes at a much lower fee than the added staff member would generate.  School become excited that they can still offer these classes to their students and individual businesses grow due to the demand and increased business.  (Quite often causing businesses such as ours to have to hire additional staff to cover the classes that we are having to add to our schedule.)  Choose to see the opportunity that always exists in bad times or bad news.