 Aidan Wessels photo by Melanie Kelly. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, 8-year old Aidan Wessels replies, “a director.” This makes sense considering that the young dance student at the Arts Connection already has a bio that any aspiring performing arts professional would envy.
He was recently nominated for Best Performance in a Short Film, in the Young Actor Ten and Under category at the 33rd Annual Young Artist Awards, for his role of David in the SFU film “Irreplaceable.” This past January, he played the role of Jim Wilson in front of sold out crowds at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Electric Company’s production of “All the way Home.” And last summer he performed in Mortal Coil’s production of Salmon Row at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard in Steveston.
This summer he will put his dance talent to work when he plays the role of Winthrop in the Theatre Under the Stars production of “The Music Man” at Stanley Park.
At the Arts Connection, Aidan studied both Jazz and Tap last year, and is currently enrolled in Tap and Hip Hop classes. He had done so well when he took Tap at age 7, that his teacher, Morri-Lynn Murray, moved Aidan up to the 9-11 year old Tap class this year. He is the only boy amongst a class of older girls.
“I get a special part,” was all Aidan said about being the only boy in a class of girls, referring to a role in the recital created just for him.
“Aidan came to my class last season ready to dance like the So You Think You Can Dance Canadians! He was motivated to learn and worked super hard,” said Morri-Lynn about her student. “This boy has a great future ahead of him in the arts!”
Aidan’s parents, Tammie and Jeff Wessels, are happy that both their sons have found a passion in performing arts (Aidan’s older brother, Jordan, is an actor as well).
“It’s good preparation for the future,” says Tammie. “And it teaches them about responsibility,” adds Jeff, as they talk of the public speaking skills and teamwork their boys learn while in performing arts.
And what does Aidan like most about being at the Arts Connection?
“I like learning new steps in tap,” he answers, “and the teachers are always nice.”
 Young Kyra Hourston already has a knack for artistic endeavours. The 11-year-old was one of the winners in the Community Arts Council of Richmond’s 1st Annual Sculpture Challenge, for creating a design with recycled materials.
"Our daughter Kyra is an avid environmentalist,” said her parents, Greg and Malou Hourston. “She is a member of her schools' Green Team and a founding member of The Nature Club. At home she is conscientious about recycling and reminds everyone in our family to do the same. We are so proud of her."
The Arts Connection is also very proud of young Kyra. She is currently taking violin lessons with Arts Connection teacher Angela Cavadas, and has been a student of Angela’s since 2006.
“Kyra is an enthusiastic and clever girl who takes an interest in learning and figuring things out. It didn’t surprise me to learn that she is a keen recycler, and inventive to boot,” said Angela, when she heard about her student’s award.
As part of the 2012 Arts and Culture Week, Kyra’s work will be on display at the Gulf & Fraser Credit Union on Chatham St. in Steveston. The exhibition, which also features the other winning entries of the 1st Annual Sculpture Challenge, will be available to view from Tuesday April 24 until Sat. April 28th. The credit union is open Tuesday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There is no charge to view, so take a moment to stop by.
Congratulations, Kyra!
Families with students at The Arts Connection can rest assured that they are offering their children essential skills for personal growth and academic success. Two recent articles speak to the importance of arts education. The first is a study by researchers at Loyola University's Center for Urban Research and Learning which involved elementary school students from three Chicago schools. Those students who participated in an arts program scored better in academic tests compared to students from the same schools who did not participate in the arts program. In the second article, political science Professor Jon D. Schaff argues that education in arts is essential for growth. He uses the analogy of healthy gardens to make his point, “When we tend our gardens, we don't just throw any piece of garbage on our plants. If we want them to grow healthy we are careful to make sure they are in a healthy environment. The same is true with people. We don't feed their souls just any old garbage.” He adds that, “education in arts and literature is crucial in educating the young. Music, theater and great literature shapes their souls with the best that our civilization has to offer.” As students and families who value fine arts, music, dance and drama, what are your thoughts on how arts education shapes and affects your life? The Arts Connection is a privately operated visual and performing arts facility located at #170-3900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC. The Arts Connection also offers a specialized Preschool and Junior Kindergarten facilities, called Renaissance Kids, a blended Early Childhood, Montessori and Reggio Emilia program enhanced by fine arts components taught by teacher specialists.
Linda Shirley, Director of the Arts Connection, is one busy person. But she always makes time for one thing. Linda says, - Despite the fact that I direct the operations of a fine arts centre that
encompasses 12,000 sq feet of space and involves coordinating forty-five talented teachers to create programming that is part of my vision---I still LOVE to teach piano! Along with all of this responsibility and the dozens of hours I donate monthly to volunteer positions in the community, I manage to squeeze about twelve hours of piano teaching into my weekly schedule. People say to me ---“Why do you still do that? How do you find the time? And the answer to that question is – “because I LOVE it!!”
She'll be the first to admit that music lessons are not without challenges. In this week's article, Linda offers tips to parents and budding musicians on how to make most of their musical training experience! Click here to read more. The Arts Connection is a privately operated visual and performing arts facility located at #170-3900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC. The Arts Connection also offers a specialized Preschool and Junior Kindergarten facilities, called Renaissance Kids, a blended Early Childhood, Montessori and Reggio Emilia program enhanced by fine arts components taught by teacher specialists.
Really? With Jabbawokeez, Quest Crew, Justin Timberlake and Justin Beiber tearing up the stage worldwide, and professional football players and wrestlers Dancing with the Stars, it's hard to believe that the idea of dancing as not masculine still exists. But once in a while teachers at dance, drama and arts schools still encounter parents (particularly fathers) who still feel this way. In this week's feature article, Linda Shirley, Director of The Arts Connection, shares a story about encountering a couple divided over their son's interest in arts. She also showcases how dance, music, drama and art are beneficial for today's well-rounded boy. Click here to read the full article. The Arts Connection is located at #170-3900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC. Be sure to 'like' us on facebook and follow us on twitter!
Teachers have the privilege and joy of sharing in your child's development. They also have experience that comes from teaching not just your child, but many children from many families. Sometimes a teacher is able to observe something in a child that may be a cause for concern, such as a developmental delay. In this week's feature article, director Linda Shirley shares her experience as a teacher who has had this kind of conversation with parents, and she offers tips to help parents and teachers work together for the benefit of the child. Click here to read the full article. The Arts Connection is located at #170-3900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC. Be sure to 'like' us on facebook and follow us on twitter!
So a few months ago you bought a piano and started your child in music lessons. Or perhaps it was a violin, flute or guitar. Are you fighting about practicing yet? Many parents find that their child starts out enthusiastically and then the novelty begins to wear off, and they start to resist practicing and seem to be losing interest. Are you wondering what you can do to keep the interest alive? Linda Shirley, Director of The Arts Connection, offers helpful hints to parents wishing to encourage a lifelong love of music in their child. Click here to read the full article.
The Arts Connection is located at #170-3900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC. Be sure to 'like' us on facebook and follow us on twitter!
Enjoying your summer? You probably don't want to think about Fall yet. However, now is the best time to get ready for fall to make sure your transition into the new season goes smoothly. Visit The Arts Connection's main website to sign up for 2011-2012 dance and music lessons. If you have young ones aged 18 months to 6 years of age who require half-day or full-day care, we have specialized early education provided through Renaissance Kids. More information can be found here and on The Arts Connection's Main Website. Contact us if you would like to view the facility and arrange a tour. Share the Love!
If you and your children are happy with the programs we offer at The Arts Connection and Renaissance Kids, please let your friends and family know by doing one of the following:
1) 'Like' us on Facebook! See our Facebook Page here.
2) Follow us on Twitter @stevestonarts.
3) Retweet one of the blog posts on this blog such as this post (with pictures of the Renaissance Kids facility) or this post (about the importance of good early education).
4) Recommend us on Google+! Click on Googles +1 icon and follow the instructions.
Thanks for your support!
 Renaissance Kids: Illuminating a child's path to education and the arts. Renaissance Kids, Richmond's premier early learning facility, offers a unique curriculum of academics and fine arts in a culturally infused environment.
On Saturday, May 28th, the Renaissance Kids held an Open House for families to view the newly completed facility. The garden is a calm garden-like oasis where children can play and enjoy the soothing sound of the decorative waterfall. The learning space inside the facility is clean and inviting. Beautifully displayed artwork created by the students add a nice touch to each of the classrooms. This premier learning facility rivals the best-looking work places around, except that everything is practically miniature: from the cute little tables, chairs and small couches, to the tiny toddler toilets.
 A hallmark of a good learning environment is a dedicated staff. Staff here know that the Renaissance Kids offers children a unique and wonderful learning experience and it is reflected in their enjoyment of work and friendliness towards each other. Hosne Ara Nuri, a Special Needs teacher at Renaissance Kids, says she enjoys working with the children and her friendly co-workers. Pictured above are Christie (left), a Kindergarten teacher, as well as Special Needs teachers Hosne Ara Nuri (centre) and Sara Gomes (right).
To see more pictures of the Renaissance Kids please visit our Gallery.
To view the Renaissance Kids learning facility up close and in person, and to find out more about programs for your child aged 18 months to 5 years, please contact us to book a tour.
Parents! Students! We'd like to hear from you!
We're looking for students and/or families involved with The Arts Connection to share stories about their experiences here at The Arts Connection. If you're interested in being featured on our blog, please contact us to find out more.
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