This post is paid for by DC Way, however, I only promote programs, places, and businesses that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.
Category Archives: Extracurricular
DC Way Soccer Skills Clinics & Goalkeeping School this Winter
Filed under 2023, DC, Extracurricular, Sports, Winter
Get Kids into the Act at Imagination Stage Winter & Spring Classes!
Does your child love to perform? Are you looking for a fun and engaging extracurricular activity for them? Imagination Stage, well known for its wonderful children’s theatre, offers all kinds of performing arts classes for kids of all ages — and registration is now open for their Winter/Spring session that begins in mid-January!
Imagination Stage’s programming inspires youth of all ages and abilities to grow as artists and innovators. They provide quality, year-round education in acting, musical theatre, dance, and filmmaking in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Early Childhood Classes
These classes for little ones are a sensory-stimulating way to introduce students to the world of theatre and dance while also building lifelong skills such as teamwork, sharing, confidence building, and gaining independence. Students develop gross motor skills through movement activities, fine motor skills through visual art projects, learn basic music skills, and learn to use their four Actor’s Tools of body, voice, mind, and imagination through dramatic play.
* Classes for ages 12-36 months, designed for children with caregivers, include You & Me: Musical Journeys, You & Me: Winter Wonderland, You & Me: Baby Animals, and You & Me: Trains, Planes, & Automobiles.
* Drop off classes for ages 3-5 include Magic Suitcase/Maleta Mágica (Bilingual – you don’t have to know the language to participate!), Dance: Pop Starz, and Disney Drama.
See the full list of Early Childhood classes!
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Dance Classes
Fun, non-competitive dance classes are available for students of all levels and abilities, meeting the needs of dancers at every stage of their physical and mental development. Dance classes help young children improve their coordination, gain important social skills, and explore their own creativity.
* Dance classes include Mini Broadway Song & Dance, Hip-Hop Dance Crew, and Family Fun: Broadway Dance Sampler – a fun class for for caregivers and children to dance together.
See the full list of Dance classes!
Acting and Musical Theatre Classes
These classes are open to students of all experience levels and abilities, and students are welcome to jump in and get started at any grade level. Younger age groups engage in dramatic play while older groups delve into the application of more advanced, specialized training.
* Classes for younger children include Creative Drama: Magic Tree House, Musical Theatre: Encanto, and Commercial Creators
* Older kids can participate in programs like Stand-Up & Sketch Comedy, Musical Theatre Intensive: Beetlejuice, and Acting: Scene Study
See the full list of Acting and Musical Theatre classes!
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Filmmaking Classes
The Filmmaking program is a progressive and comprehensive curriculum that offers introductory through advanced filmmaking classes in a hands-on environment working with state-of-the-art equipment. The program focuses on filmmaking technique, emphasizing the pre-production process, visual storytelling, and artistic style. Filmmaking classes are offered for students in grades 6-12.
* Classes include Fundamentals of Filmmaking, Narrative Filmmaking Project, and the Filmmaking Conservatory Package: Sound Design, Lighting, and Directing.
See the full list of Filmmaking classes!
Access & Inclusion
Imagination Stage’s access and inclusion program provides equitable access to all programming, from added inclusion support to peer-group access classes in order to provide the most successful experience for each student.
* Access classes include Access Acting: Character Lab and Access Voice Acting: Animated Voiceovers.
See the full list of Access classes!
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Freedom Choir *NEW*
Serious singers are invited to audition this newly formed Freedom Choir – an Imagination Stage collaboration with Artist-in-Residence Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. and The Urban Nation H-I-P-H-O-P Choir, which will focus on a repertoire of songs from a variety of cultures, nations, religions, and styles.
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This post is sponsored by Imagination Stage, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Learn Chess with the World Champion’s Academy!
Winter is a great season for chess, and you can have two months for the price of one with Magnus Academy’s Cyber Monday chess promotion! It’s a great gift for either beginner players or advanced students. Formerly called Silver Knights, Magnus Academy has classes for all levels with great coaches!
Magnus Chess Academy has taught 100,000+ kids chess in the area since 2008. Between now and Cyber Monday, November 28: Use the coupon code “cyber” when you buy one month, and get the second month free!
How does the online academy work? Read below to find out!
1. New students start with a quick assessment to figure out what level classes they should take, from Pawns (how do you play chess?) to Kings (some of the best kids in the state for their age).
2. Schedule your weekly semi-private classes. There are classes Mondays through Saturdays for each level, so that you’ll definitely be able to find good (and flexible) times that work for your family. Take a look at the times here. Experienced coaches keep the classes engaging, approachable, and fun for the students.
3. Join as many big group events as you want — like online tournaments (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays) and bonus lessons (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays).
4. Visits from famous chess players like Chess World Champion Magnus Carlsen (see video below from last visit), who is joining on Sunday, December 4! Other guest instructors include Anish Giri, the #7 player in the world and very fun!), Judit Polgar (best female chess player ever, 5 visits this year), and more.
This Cyber Monday sale is a great way to start chess (think holiday gift)! A few more things to know:
- Cost is $89/month.
- The academy is month-to-month with no long term commitment.
- Start anytime and stop any time.
- If you join the academy, and for whatever reason it’s not the right fit, cancel in your first two weeks for a full refund.
Sign up here — and remember to use the coupon code “cyber” for your second month free!
Questions? Email online@chessacademy.com or schedule a chat!
This post is sponsored by Magnus Chess Academy, however, I only promote programs, activities, and businesses that I genuinely believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.
Filed under 2022, 2023, Class, Extracurricular, Virtual Programs
Fall Classes for All Ages at Synetic Theater!
Are you looking for theatre and ballet classes for kids (or yourself) in Northern Virginia? Synetic Theater, a center for American Physical Theatre and presenter of some of the area’s most magical plays, offers an exciting array of classes for children of all ages — as well as anyone interested in cultivating an active and creative life. Here are programs available this fall, beginning September 24!
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Magic of Disney
1st Grade – 5th Grade
September 24 – November 5 | Saturday, 9-10am
Tuition: $250
Instructor: Ashton Schaffer
It’s a Whole New World with this acting class for elementary aged students. Each class will be themed off of a different Disney movie with games and activities tailored to the theme each week. Students can sing, act, and dance their way to the ball in this one of a kind acting class! They will learn how to use their imaginations to create new and exciting worlds and characters. Themes include Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Big Hero 6, and so many more! Grab your pixie dust and imagination and get ready to never grow up.
Spies in Disguise
6th Grade – 8th Grade
September 24 – November 5 | Saturday, 10–11am
Tuition: $250
Instructor: Ashton Schaffer
Calling all secret agents! There is an enemy that must be found and captured. In this seven-week class, students will learn the ins and outs of what it takes to be a spy…. a physical theater spy, that is. Students will learn secret tumbling tricks, create epic spy gear, and hopefully save the world. This class is open to any middle school age student looking to try their hand at acting or improve on their skills.
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Ballet with Synetic Theater
Choreographer and Performer Maryam Najafzada
Beginning Ballet
Ages 4-6
September 27 – November 15 | Tuesday, 1-2pm
Tuition: $300 | Need-based scholarships available.
Young dancers learn balance, coordination, and beginning ballet steps such as plies, releves, jumps, and turns as they come together to develop a lifelong love of dance. This class culminates in a shareformance of warm-ups and a short dance piece. All classes are limited to 8 participants.
Elementary Ballet
Ages 7-12
September 30 – November 18 | Friday, 4:30-5:30pm
Tuition: $300 | Need-based scholarships available.
This multi-age class teaches fundamentals of ballet through barre, center, and across-the-floor. Young artists learn alignment, strength, agility, and ballet technique through a wide variety of exercises, stretches, and dance combinations. The class culminates in a shareformance of a short dance piece. All classes are limited to 8 participants.
Teen/Adult Ballet
All levels
September 27 – November 15 | Tuesday, 2:30-3:30pm
Tuition: $300 | Need-based scholarships available.
Perfect for adults returning to ballet or anyone who wants to improve their core strength and posture, strengthen their back muscles to reduce injuries, improve their flexibility, and learn basic ballet terminology. No experience is necessary for this fun and creative class. All classes are limited to 8 participants.
All classes take place at the Synetic Theater Studio in the Crystal City area of Arlington. Learn more and register through the links above. And for more information about Synetic Theater, visit the website.
This post is sponsored by Synetic Theater, however, I only promote programs, events, and services that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.
International School of Music: Lessons in All Instruments & Giveaway!
Does your child love to sing or pretend to play a guitar? Are they the next Mozart or Justin Bieber? If your kid loves music — or maybe you want to introduce them to it in a fun way — there is a school whose specialty is just that!
International School of Music, with two locations in Bethesda and Potomac, is the premier provider of music lessons in all instruments and voice to students of all ages and levels. Their voted best instructors offer customized lesson approach so each child can progress at their own pace and learn the music they love, so playing music is fun and exciting!
Their teaching methods are student-centered and focused on individual learning styles and personal goals to help each student reach his or her full musical potential. With a flexible Musical Ladder curriculum that rewards practicing and achievement, their students get to explore music they are passionate about, whether they play classical, rock, pop, jazz, folk, etc. And with our same-time sibling scheduling, the families enjoy convenience and flexibility!
Music lessons teach kids valuable skills that they can carry with them through life. Children practice basic math when they count the rhythm, reading comprehension as they learn how to read music, and creativity as they figure out how to express themselves. Bonus: They also benefit from better concentration, self-discipline, self-expression, and confidence. Even more, all of these skills are mixed in with fun music making!
Check out the International School of Music website to see how you can book an introductory lesson for your child, try classes yourself, or make it a family affair!
Call the International School of Music at 301-365-5888 to book an introductory lesson or CLICK HERE to claim 50% Off Registration!
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GIVEAWAY! Three KFDC readers can win a half-hour private music lesson at the International School of Music in any instrument or voice with one of their amazing teachers! Want a chance to win? Simply leave a comment below telling me what kind of music your child loves to listen to. Get an extra chance to win by entering on the KidFriendly DC Facebook Page, too! Contest is open to new students only. This giveaway will run through September 14, 2022, then the winners will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!
For more information about International School of Music and its programs and performances, visit their website.
