OKC PARKS OFFERS A DIVERSE LINEUP OF PERFORMING ARTS FOR CREATIVES OF ALL AGES. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY OKC PARKS.
Performing arts OKC Parks and Recreation is on a mission to provide cultural, social and recreational experiences that also promote wellness. Participants in their programs are invited to explore, learn and grow, all in a playful way. Performing arts programming is offered at several recreation centers, including NW Optimist, Taylor, Southern Oaks and Willa D. Johnson. From jazz band and guitar lessons to dance and musical theatre, kids and adults can tap in to their creativity and learn something new. They even have toddler acting classes, called Creative Dramatics, in which teachers use familiar fairy tales to help little ones practice following directions while exploring their imaginations. On Saturdays at the Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center, kids can drop in to a dance class from 3 to 5 p.m. The energetic class explores creative movement, music and self-expression utilizing a variety of dance styles. The inclusive environment is tailored to get kids moving and having fun with their peers. Classes are $5 for members. (Memberships start at $10 a month for kids and $15 a month for adults. A $5 discount for youth is available through a scholarship endowment.) Audition-based productions are open to anyone in the community. OKC Parks’ most recent production, Peter and the Starcatcher , will hit the stage March 7 through 9 at the Taylor Performing Arts Center. Follow OKC Parks on Facebook to keep up with all their fun programming.
Culinary arts When kids delve into culinary arts, they are channeling all their senses into the creative process, learning how to combine ingredients into delicious results. Plus, they benefit from the math, science and reading involved in cooking! Aimee Bush, the pastry chef at Belle’s Kitchen in Oklahoma City, has expanded their cooking classes so “families can learn something new and have some fun, too.” “It is so great to see [participants’] personalities shine,” shared Bush. “Our classes are first and foremost about having fun, and if you walk away with a bit more knowledge, then that’s great, too.” Additional performing arts options: • The American Banjo Museum ’s FREE Pick-a-Tune with Lucas sessions provide an introduction to playing the banjo. Participants must preregister online and complimentary museum admission is included. • Artworks Academy of Performing Arts offers classes through three schools: School of Dance, School of Theatre and School of Music. • Lyric Theatre’s Thelma Gaylord Academy offers an integrated program that includes private lessons, classes and camps. • Oklahoma Children’s Theatre provides live theatre and interactive educational experiences for young audiences, including after-school classes and camps. Running through April 7, see Dr. Suess’s The Cat in the Hat , a theatrical adaptation of the children’s classic starring the mischievous cat. • Classes in dance, pom, theater, acrobatics and more are open to all ages and abilities at Studio J Performing Arts Center . • The Studio of The Sooner Theatre in Norman offers classes and camps for acting, singing, dance, improv, magic and more. • Velocity Dance Center offers ballet, pom, hip hop, jazz and tap classes for kids ages 2 and up. Their Dance with Me class is perfect for toddlers who love to move with their favorite grown-up!
EVEN THE YOUNGEST CHEFS GET HANDS ON IN THE COOKING CLASSES AT BELLE’S KITCHEN. PHOTO BY AIMEE BUSH.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2024 19
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