Art is Life Augusta

Kids at Anyone Can Dance (& Cook) Camp truly impressed us.  It never ceases to amaze how the arts prompt creative thinking and action.  Campers enthusiastically welcomed new moves and eats.  When first approaching the camp, we intended to exclusively direct dance while letting our science partners handle nutrition; it soon became clear our disciplines beautifully overlapped.  Chef Steve Sitnick, dean of Augusta’s first-accredited culinary institute: Helms Career Institute, started his cooking demonstration by asking campers: Are you curious?  The overwhelming response was yes!  We then asked them: How many of you tried something new at this camp, something you now like or love?  Every student raised their hand.  What was it, we asked. Kids cited dance styles they had learned: Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Hip-Hop and the overwhelming favorite Latin Dance - a first-time class added in honor of the approaching Ballet Hispanico. Preparing kids for adventurous choices, this year the writings of Dr. Seuss also served as inspiration.  Each camper received a copy of the author’s Green Eggs and Ham, an Anyone Can Dance (& Cook) Camp apron, as well as a Cooking Matters cookbook with delicious camp lunches such as vegetable pasta and pineapple/carrot cake. We challenged kids and families to continue this journey at home; a sample of their progress will be sent via postcard to Augusta Ballet with a statement or drawing demonstrating adopted activities.  Check our blog for these family-updates.  Kids who meet our challenge will receive free entry to Ballet Hispanico March 16, 2012. For a preview click the above image.