SalsaCrazy
Archive for March, 2009
Sending your child to a private school is an important, and possibly life-changing decision to be weighed carefully. Is it a good idea to uproot the child, put him or her in a new school, leaving their former school friends behind? In my opinion, from one who has been there myself, definitely, yes.
My introduction to private school started at the age of 12, when I entered 7th grade at an all-girls’ private prep school called Laurel in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It was scary at first to leave the familiarity of friends from my former school, a large, public school in another town. Every day I had to be driven by my parents to my new school, which was nearly an hour from our home. Plus, a new school meant making new friends in new surroundings, pretty terrifying for a shy girl like I was. Kids can be a bit tough on the new kid, I got teased a little at first. And, to top it all off, I had to wear a uniform. No more jeans, t-shirts and casual attire. I thought it was the end of the world at first.
Truth of the matter was, it changed my life for the better in infinite ways. First, the classes were smaller, meaning each student would receive more attention from the teacher. This was good for learning, but bad for slacking off. Oh yes, we Laurel girls were masters of girlish pranks and silliness at times, but we knew we had to behave ourselves and saved the fun for study hall. It meant getting down to work, being a more disciplined student. If I had trouble with a subject, it meant summer school if my grades weren’t up to par. Only once did I need to go to summer school, the following summer after 7th grade. It was actually a pleasant experience but a great motivator not to return there the next year.
It became clear to me even as a teen that wearing a uniform every day was a break from worrying about what to wear every day. It gave me the opportunity to focus on other things than fashion. The uniforms were comfortable, tasteful and nobody made fun of anyone else’s fashion sense , since we all wore them. We had the choice between blue tartan, solid green or light green herringbone; along with either white, blue or yellow oxford shirts (long or short sleeved). I became a master at shirt ironing, since it needed to be done every morning. So, we did have a little control over what we wore, just a little. If we wanted dress more trendy or fashionably, we saved it for after school get-togethers with friends.
Also, my new school had (and still has) a great area for art, which was my main focus as a kid, in being an artist. Laurel School had a whole art floor! We were allowed to pursue all types of art that previously, I’d only read about such as enameling, Raku pottery-making, wheel-thrown pottery, color theory, and more. Plus, we were encouraged to be creative in other arts such as dance, theater and music as well. They had a summer theater camp, which I participated in. There wasn’t a band (I’d been in the school band in public school, and missed being able to play an instrument) but there was glee club, and choir. I got into both, and enjoyed those thoroughly. My new school had a true appreciation for the arts that has led me to carry on my interest in all venues artistic throughout my adult life.
Being painfully shy, in private school, there was no way to blend into the wallpaper. They drew me out, whether I liked it or not. It was good for me, because that shy child is not a shy adult at all. The teachers were caring and supportive, welcoming contact with their students. It was lovely to be invited to my teacher’s Christmas party one year, and being shy, she had me stick with her to feel more comfortable. Mrs. Priscilla Ford was my algebra teacher, and totally a class act. She tutored me in math, which was my nemesis in school, and was a painter on the side, so she related to my artistic endeavors. My art teacher, Mrs. Helen Biehle, too, was a friend as well as teacher. It was wonderful to have such powerful, wholesome influences during turbulent teen years. I sorely needed confidence, and as an adult owe my lack of fear of public speaking to my former Speech teacher, Mrs. Schenk. Four years of having to get up on stage and sweat profusely while giving every kind of speech imaginable can really force the shyness out of nearly everyone.
All in all, private education is a wonderful experience, a quality protection from a busy, crazy world. It was a sheltered existence but that is good during the formative years of a young, impressionable child. There were no boys for us girls to flirt with, and clear boundaries to what was accepted of us both socially and academically. It taught us all manners, and respect for not only each other but the world around us. We took trips nearly every year to educational and interesting places such as Toronto and Washington D.C. Our chaperones sure did have their hands full watching over a bunch of excited girls, but we always had an appropriately good time, wherever we went (no major mishaps or craziness).
Even in private school, we were able to have prom, formal or informal dances of different kinds, and we had friends who were from other schools. Being in a private school doesn’t mean you no longer have your former school friends. I kept in touch with some of my old friends, and gained new ones, too. We worked hard, but had fun, too. After school, I spent most of my time with my horse, boarded at a local stable. I saw my friends there, and my horse. Then, went home and studied hard. It was a balance of hard work and fun, in a structured way.
Leaving the security of my small school (our graduating class had 54 girls in it) was a bit of a culture shock. I went to a large university, Rochester Institute of Technology, that was predominately made up of young men. It took a little getting used to, but I felt at no disadvantage. It was an adventure to try something new. Laurel School had accomplished its objective: to turn out a confident, disciplined young lady who wanted to further her education. I wholeheartedly reccommend private schools, because it always helps to have guidance as we grow as children and young adults. It helps to shape our futures, and promote confidence. Plus, colleges and universities love well-rounded applicants from schools they receive students from every year. Our full-time college counselor at Laurel worked hard to educate us on what colleges were out there to pursue. We even had a class trip to a few Ohio colleges and universities, from Ohio State to Denison, and others. It was fun seeing the different styles of colleges and learning which best suited our individual needs.
For anyone considering a private education for their children, go visit the campus, take a tour and read the different biographies about the staff. Talk to teachers and students. Look at different schools, as each has their own feel to it. Explore financing options with the financial counselor, there are usually scholarships for those in need. By giving your child a quality education, this sets him or her up for a bright future. Public schools are great, too, it all depends on your child’s individual needs. Where would he or she best be happiest and prosper? Smaller class sizes will allow the teachers to help bring a shy child out of his or her shell. It did for me. It’s worth the risk, if you take it.
Carolyn McFann
http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/educating-your-child-in-a-private-schoolis-it-a-good-idea-126060.html
read comments (0)Cha Cha dance video lessons: Cha Cha dancing classes
Author: admin
http://ShortWayTo.com/Cha-Cha-dance/
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Duration : 2 min 4 sec
Dance and Music Classes and Lessons in Phoenix, North Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ- Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop. Tap, Musical Theater, Piano, Voice, Guitar www.benderperformingarts.com 602-971-9170
Duration : 51 sec
Im already thinking about putting my little girl into dance classes. (Shes almost 2 years old. ) I would love to hear your experience and how things went.
most classes start when they are 3 years old, but you may find one that starts sooner…don't expect much since the attention span of a 2 year old is very short, but if she enjoys it that is all that matters!!! If you can't find a class for her, there are some videos you can get so you can teach her at home until she's old enough to go to class. I'm sure your little princess is adorable, good luck finding a good class for her!!!
How can I enjoy my new dance class and learn to love it?
Author: admin
I'm in 9th grade and need a P.E credit, so I decided to try out dance since I've always done P.E. It's the beginner's dance class but I'm still a bit scared for 2 reasons. 1.) I'm shy and I'm really scared I'll mess up and make a fool out of myself and everybody will make fun of me. and 2.) Not many people talk in there yet and I dunno how I'm gonna meet new friends if only a few kids wanna chat.
So, my question is: How can I overcome the fear of dancing and learn to just let loose and enjoy it?
Please help me. Thanks!
Relax in a beginner clas, especially in P.E. it won't be as strict as if you were in a dance studio. Have fun and enjoy the music. Everyone is going to mess up so you won't stand out, Being shy is great in dance because that is exactly what will bring your confidence out. Don't take the class seriously and any friends you make will be half the battle and then you have over come both obstacles that you thought were in your way!
Choreographers Teach Online Dance Classes
Author: admin
http://www.dancemass.tv A message to dance teachers and choreographers who have registered for free to teach online dance lessons / classes in the only online dance studio that offers all styles of dance allowing dance instructors an opportunity to earn passive income teaching dance so students… …
Duration : 0:4:23
Hip Hop Dance School PAL DVD
Author: admin
BUY THIS DVD @ http://www.cypherstyles.com/product/HIPHOPDANCESCHOOLPAL/Hip_Hop_Dance_School.html All the La Heilleiure Facon D Apprendre Dance Videos in a 2 DVD Set!! Includes "The Best Way to Learn House Dance", "The Best Way to Learn to Pop and Lock", "The Best Way to Learn to Break Dance" and more! …
Duration : 0:6:26
EZ Flow BoogieNight You Should Be Dancing
Author: admin
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Dancing in the Divine
Author: admin
The sequel to A Yoga of Divine Love, this volume features more poems from the heart of a dedicated yoga and meditation practice. The majority of the poems document and record class themes used by a gifted teacher, and the author’s experiences while attend
Stay Slim On Your Carnival Cruise
Author: admin
Cruises are replete with opportunities to bring out the glutton in all of us. There is tasty food available at every hour and at multiple venues. And who can resist the chance to gorge themselves? I have learned from experience that it is entirely possible to go up a dress size in only a week. There is much more to a cruise than the food so what I propose is to let you in on all the activities available on the Carnival Sensation that will help you to avoid that particular humiliation and help you to maximize your enjoyment of your cruise.
The Carnival Sensation has an outdoor 9 hole mini golf course located on the sports deck. There is no extra charge for the use of the clubs and golf balls. There is also a gold pro on board who can assist you with golf lessons and arranging tee times in various ports.
The gym and spa together are over 12,000 square feet. The gym is equipped with free weights and treadmills. There are also stationary bikes and elliptical machines. Classes are offered in aerobics, yoga, kick boxing cycling and Pilate’s for a small fee. The spa is an oasis of relaxation offering the usual manicure or pedicure and hair salon. They also offer a dreamy hot stone massage. The lime and ginger massage is an exfoliating treatment with massage. The ultimate is the Swedish massage for two. Those under 16 aren’t allowed in the gym or spa. Passengers between 16 and 18 years old can go in but only with an adult accompanying them.
There is an outdoor jogging track that loops around the sun deck. Eight laps around equals one mile.
There are three swimming pools, one just for children. The main pool has a 114 ft water slide. Pool games and scavenger hunts are held in the afternoons. Six whirlpools are available for your use, several do not allow children. The main pool area does get congested in the middle of the day so if you don’t intend to dip in get a chair one deck up and enjoy the sun and peacefulness of no crowds.
Afternoon activities are concentrated around the main pool on Lido deck. There is usually a steel drum band or reggae singers performing island music to put you into the vacation mood. By the main pool is where many games take place like the ever popular hairy chest contest which is less about hair than how to work the crowd.
There are wine tasting and art auctions. If you go to the art auction and see something you like you don’t have to bid, just wait until someone else wins and ask later if you can have the same picture for the same price.
If you find you have too much money on hand the Casablanca Casino can help you out in a matter of minutes. The casino has slots, blackjack, And Caribbean Stud Poker. There are Mega cash slots that are linked with all Carnival cruise ships where the jackpot has been as high as a million dollars. There are 2 cent slots where you can win a car. You can use old fashioned cash or your ship account card in the casino. If you need to you can also get a cash advance in the casino on your credit card.
On all Carnival ships a daily events newspaper is distributed to each cabin. This is called the Carnival Capers. The Capers lists all activities for the day. This will help you to schedule non food related events. The list of scheduled activities such as Bingo and slots tournaments is listed in the Capers. You will also see and perhaps be puzzled by other listings.
On every Carnival ship there is a meeting for friends of Bill W meeting. Now, you may wonder about this, as I did after several cruises. Who the heck is Bill W and how many friends does he have that he gets his own meeting place on board? This is a euphemism for an alcoholic’s anonymous meeting. Bill W is the founder of alcoholic’s anonymous. You will also see in the Capers a friend’s of Dorothy meeting scheduled. This is a quiet way of announcing a meeting for those who are gay or lesbian or their friends.
In the Fantasia lounge that seats over 1300 people you can see a comedy show at night. An early kid friendly show is scheduled along with a late night R rated version. Austin Powers dance classes take place in the same lounge. Also in the Fantasia lounge is Game Show mania for passengers to play on stage.
In the Touch of Class disco there is an evening piano sing a long if that’s your thing. If you really want to sing by yourself the dance club has a karaoke night. Popular dance music plays every night at Michelangelo’s disco. You can dance any extra calories away.
The most enjoyable to avoid packing on the pounds on your Carnival cruise is to stroll the teak decks with your significant other taking in the ocean breeze and starry sky with all of your senses
Ann Childs
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/stay-slim-on-your-carnival-cruise-91182.html
