TAMIU Offers Young Dancers Program with Monthly Dance Classes

Texas A&M International University will offer a Young Dancers Program through dance classes designed for children and teenagers ranging in age from 2 to 18. Separate classes for teenagers and adults will also be offered.

One of the classes teaches a combination of ballet, tap and flamenco. Session I is offered monthly, from September 6 - December 19. The Session II will last from Jan. 6 - May 22, 2003. Classes will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Class days are Monday, for 8- to 10-year-olds; Tuesday, for 6- to 8-year-olds; Wednesday, for 2- to 4-year-olds; and Thursday, for 4- to 6-year-olds.

Tuition is $40 a month. A $10 discount will apply when the session is paid in full at the start of the session and a $5 monthly discount to multiple siblings registered in the dance classes. Children will be required to purchase a uniform leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, tap shoes, castanets, Spanish shoes and a skirt.

Another offering is Mexican Ballet Folklórico lessons. Session I is offered monthly, from Sept. 7 - Nov. 23. Session II will last from Jan. 11 - April 12, 2003. Classes will be offered on Saturdays. Class hours are, 10-11 a.m., for 12- to 18-year-olds; 11 a.m.-12 p.m., for 8- to 11-year-olds; 12:15-1:15 p.m. for 5- to 7-year-olds; and 1:15-2:15 p.m. for boys 5 to 11 years in age. Tuition is $25 a month, and a $10 discount will apply when the session is paid in full at the start of the session and a $5 monthly discount to multiple siblings registered in the dance classes. All students must wear shoes with a heel. Boys may wear casual clothing. Girls my wear casual clothing, however, a black leotard and white tights are preferred. A solid color Mexican Ballet Folklórico practice skirt is required. A skirt pattern is available upon request. Purchase of costume is required for public performances.

In addition, technique classes will be offered for teens and adults in ballet, pointe, flamenco, folkórico and jazz. Session I will be held monthly, from Sept. 7- Nov. 23 and Session II from Jan. 11-April 12, 2003. Classes will be held Monday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., for ballet; 6:30-7:30 p.m., for pointe; 5:30-6:30 p.m., for flamenco; 7-8 p.m., for folklórico for adults; and 5:30-6:30 p.m., for jazz.

Tuition will be $25 per month, for one class per week; $35 per month, for two classes per week; $45 per month, for three classes per week; $55 per month, for four classes per week; $65 per month, for five classes per week; $75 per month, for six classes per week.

A $10 discount will apply when the session is paid in full at the start of the session.

For further information, please contact the Dr. Gilberto Soto, director of Fine and Performing Arts, at 326-2649, e-mail gsoto@tamiu.edu, or visit offices located in Pellegrino Hall, 215B. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu