TAMIU Offers Dance, Music Lessons for Children, Teenagers, Adults

Children, teenagers and adults alike will have the opportunity to learn dance, and music through series of classes offered starting in January through Texas A&M International University's Young Dancers and Community Music Programs.

Classes combining ballet, tap and flamenco will be offered to children ranging in age from 4 to 10 years old Jan. 6 - May 22, 2003. Tuition for these classes is $40 per 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.

The schedule of classes is Monday, 4-5:30 p.m. for 8-10 year olds; Tuesday, 4-5:30 p.m. for 6-8 year olds; Wednesday, 4-5:30 p.m. for 2-4 year olds; and Thursday, 4-5:30 p.m. for 4-6 year olds.

Children will be required to purchase a uniform leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, tap shoes, castanets, Spanish shoes and skirt. The uniform leotard, skirts, tights and all shoes will be available for purchase in the Student Center, room 230.

For children and teenagers interested in learning Mexican ballet folklórico, classes will be offered Jan. 11-April 12, 2003. Tuition is $25 a month and a $10 discount will apply when the session is paid in full at the start of the session. In addition, a $5 monthly discount will apply to multiple siblings registered in the classes.

All ballet folklórico classes will be offered on Saturdays and hours are 10-11 a.m. for 12-18 year olds; 11 a.m.-12 p.m. for 8-11 year olds; 12:15-1:15 p.m. for 5-7 year olds; and 1:15-2:15 p.m. for boys, ages 5-11.

All students must wear shoes with a heel. Boys may wear casual clothing. Girls may 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.

Also, technique classes in ballet, point, flamenco, ballet folklórico and jazz will

be offered for teenagers and adults Jan. 11-April 12, 2003.

Tuition are $25 per month for 1 class per week; $35 for 2 classes per week; $45 for three classes per week; $55 for four classes per week; $65 for five classes per week; and $75 for six classes per week. A $10 discount will apply when the session is paid in full at the start of the session.

Schedules are Monday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. for ballet and 6:30-7:30 p.m. for pointe; Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. for flamenco; Wednesday, 7-8 p.m. for folklórico and Thursday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. for jazz.

For 8-12 year olds, as well as teenagers and adults interested in learning music, guitar and voice lessons will be offered in levels including beginners, intermediate and advanced, from Jan. 6-May 22, 2003. Tuition is $40 per month. A $10 discount will apply when the session is paid in full at the start of the session.

For further information, please contact Sergio Barragán, program coordinator for the Office for Special Programs at (956) 326-2702. University offices will be closed for the holidays starting Friday Dec. 20. Offices will reopen at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2.