Arts for Children, Youths at TAMIU this Summer

A summer filled with music, dance and drama will be available to area children through programs at Texas A&M International University.

Dr. Gilberto Soto, chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, said he was pleased the Department would offer an array of artistic camps for children, as well as a flamenco workshop this summer. (photo)

The camps run Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. beginning Monday, June 7 through Thursday, July 8 on the TAMIU campus.

Guitar, piano, voice and music discovery will be available for children ages kindergarten, first through third and fourth to sixth grades. In addition, drama theater will be offered for first to third and fourth to sixth grades, Soto explained. The camp will consist of three blocks, each one hour long, with two 15-minute break/snack periods. The cost is $125 per block.

"This summer, we will be able to help students of many ages connect with the performing arts through these camps. It's a wonderful opportunity for children to explore, create and learn," Dr. Soto said.

For more information or to register, please contact the Office of Special Programs at 326.2765 or visit offices in the Student Center, room 119.

Bede Leyendecker, assistant professor of dance, said she was pleased to be able to offer the fifth annual Rogelio Rodriguez Flamenco Workshop on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13.

"Rogelio Rodriguez is a native Laredoan and will return to TAMIU for his fifth Spanish Dance Workshop. He has operated the Rodriguez Academy of Dance and his own professional company in Houston for more than 30 years and was lead dancer for Charo. He has performed with Jerry Lewis, Joey Bishop, Dom DeLouise and Jim Nabors in Las Vegas," said Leyendecker.

The workshop will cover technique from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and repertoire from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 12. The workshop will continue Sunday at 10 a.m., again working on repertoire.

Leyendecker explained the workshop is free and open to dancers at least 15 years old through the support of the TAMIU Department of Fine and Performing Arts Dance Program, the City of Laredo, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

For more information, please contact Leyendecker at 326.2625 or e-mail bleyendecker@tamiu.edu. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.