Jamaica Center for Arts And Learning

Dance
We offer dance workshops for all ages in a variety of disciplines. Students learn discipline, ensemble work, and original choreography while studying with a dynamic faculty comprised of professional dancers.

African Dance for Kids
$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages 6 - 12 Students will be riveted by the spirited, folkloric dances expressing narratives from across the African continent. This high energy class develops rhythm, self expression, confidence, discipline and most of all fun. *Classes are conducted to recorded music; live drumming for performances.

Basic Ballet for Kids
Students are introduced to basic ballet $65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
AM Workshop I: 10:00am -11:00am or
PM Workshop: 12:00pm -1:00pm
Ages 6-9
positions, movements, terminology, format,
and procedures. Exercises will be taught using analogies and making connections to familiar concepts. Ballet enhances balance, core strength, and physical discipline.

Ballet for Tweens
$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
11:00am -12:00pm
Ages 10-12 Ages: 13 Older students are introduced to basic ballet positions, movements, terminology, format, procedures and slightly more complex choreography. Exercises will be taught using analogies and making connections to familiar concepts. Ballet enhances balance, core strength and physical discipline.

$75/session; $150/full semester
Tuesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm (Mixed levels)
or
Wednesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm (Beginners)
AdultsBelly Dancing
This workshop will delight anyone interested in exploring the ancient art of Middle Eastern Dance, with movements that isolate the hips, abdomen and waist as well as parts of the upper body. Belly Dance is most known for its beautiful smooth and flowing movements. All classes suitable for beginners.

Hip-Hop Dance for Kids I $65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
9:00am -10:00am
Ages: 4-6
Children learn the rudiments of hip-hop
dance and the necessities of dance practice,
including warm-ups, choreography,
and ensemble work while dancing to
today’s hottest beats.

Hip-Hop Dance for Kids II$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
10:00am -11:00am
Ages: 7-9
Children learn the rudiments of hip-hop
dance and the necessities of dance practice,
including warm-ups, choreography,
and ensemble work while dancing to
today’s hottest beats.

$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 10-12 Ages: 13-18Hip-Hop Dance for Tweens & Teens
Combining traditional and contemporary dance techniques, students will learn classic jazz moves with the latest hip-hop steps and work towards creating original choreography to today’s urban tracks.

$75/session; $150/full semester
Wednesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Teens: 18+ Adults
Hip Hop Dance -Open Level
Combining traditional and contemporary dance techniques, students will master the latest hip-hop movements and work towards creating original choreography to today’s urban tracks.

$75/session; $150/full semester
Wednesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Adults Latin Dance (Beginners)
Party People! Learn all of the latest steps in Latin social dances including Mambo, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue, Bachata.

Tap for Tots $65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 3 - 5
Tap and ballet are the basis of a well-rounded dance education. Tap classes have been shown to add to technique by incorporating more rhythm, dexterity, musicality, and loads of fun for children. Children are engaged through games, play, and stories.

Tap/Hip-Hop Integration $65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ages: 6-10
Contemporary Hip-Hop dance has definitive roots in the rhythms of the hoofers from the days of the Harlem
Renaissance. This class explores various techniques of tap dance through basic dance steps and original choreography while incorporating moves and
music from today’s urban landscape.
Previous experience in Tap, Jazz, or
Hip-Hop is recommended.

West African Dance (Beginners) $95/session; $190/full semester
Tuesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Adults
Learn dance movements that are based
in the ceremonial, ritualistic, and every
day life experiences of the Mandeng and
Sou Sou people of West Africa. Classes
feature live drumming!

Movement Arts
These workshops emphasize the mind-body connection vital to the creative spirit. Not the fitness programs you find at the gym, our movement arts workshops cater to the skills needed for dance, drama, music, and even the visual arts.

Adult Carib Workout
$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
AM Workshop I: 10:00am -11:00am or
AM Workshop II: 11:00am -12:00pm
AdultsAdd some spice to your morning workout!! Experience the intoxicating rhythms of the Caribbean while getting a huge dose of cardio.

Adult Hip Hop Workout
$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
12:00pm -1:00pm
AdultsFor those who dare!! A high energy workout for novices and the more experienced; provides a great mix of cardio with the latest hip hop movements.

Adult Morning Stretch & Flex
$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
9:00am -10:00am
AdultsFlexibility is the core of all movement. Start your Saturday with exercises focusing on posture, flexibility, agility, and breathing. Guest artists will expose students to the art of Yoga, Pilates, Alexander Technique and more.

Creative Movement for Kids$65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 3-4
Through techniques based in ballet, modern
dance and yoga, children will be led
through exercises that focus on their coordination
skills, spatial awareness, and
improvisation abilities. This class prepares
young children for dance and drama by
tapping into the creative impulse and
working in a group. A parent or guardian
must attend this class with their child.

Martial Arts for Kids $65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ages: 5-9
The martial arts build strength, discipline,
and a connection to their unique cultural
roots. While martial arts studies movements
connected to self-defense, it is closely connected
to dance and builds flexibility, coordination,
and discipline. In addition to learning strikes, blocks, and kicks, students will learn about the cultural influences that shaped the practice of martial arts.

Martial Arts for Tweens $65/session; $130/full semester
Saturday
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 10 - 12 Teens: 13
The martial arts build strength, discipline,
and a connection to their unique cultural
roots. While martial arts studies movements
connected to self-defense, it is closely connected
to dance and builds flexibility, coordination,
and discipline. In addition to learning strikes, blocks, and kicks, students will learn about the cultural influences that shaped the practice of martial arts.

Music
Our music workshops offer a nuturing environment for students of all ages to start or continue their music practice. Small group workshops allow for plenty of individual attention.

Guitar for Kids $80/session; $160/full semester
Saturday
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 7-12
This class covers the fundamentals for playing
the guitar with an emphasis on developing
chord knowledge and learning how to
apply that knowledge to familiar songs.
Students must bring their own guitar.

$85/session; $170/full semester
Saturday
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 13-18 AdultGuitar -Open Level
This class covers the fundamentals for playing the acoustic or electric guitar with an emphasis on developing chord knowledge and understanding the instrument. Students must bring their own guitar. FREE open studio time, Saturdays 1:30pm - 2:00pm.

Keyboard for Kids $80/session; $160/full semester
Saturday
9:00am - 10:00am
Ages: 5-12
Youngsters are introduced to reading
music, identifying keyboard notes, and
how to employ both hands at the piano to
build the basics of music practice. Class
is limited to 10 students.

$80/session; $160/full semester
Saturday
10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 13-18 AdultKeyboard for Beginners
For the beginner, this class will cover basic fingering for the keyboard, music notation, chord structure, and scales, then progress to playing popular melodies. Workshop is limited to 10 students.

Keyboard -Intermediate Level $85/session; $170/full semester
Saturday
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 13-18 Adult
Building on skills from Keyboard I, students
will begin to learn advanced scales,
music theory, improvisation, and basic
repertoire. Class is limited to 10 students. FREE open studio time Saturday 11:30am - 12:00pm.

Keyboard -Open Level $85/session;$170/full semester
Tuesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Agess: 18+ Adult
For the beginner, this class will cover basic fingering for the keyboard, music notation, chord structure, and scales, then progress to playing popular melodies. The more seasoned student will begin to learn advanced scales, music theory, improvisation, and basic repertoire. Class is limited to 10 students.

$85/session; $170/full semester
Wednesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Ages: 18+ Adult Singing Workshop: Vocal Music for Adults

Adult vocalists will build confidence as they learn the techniques needed for choral or solo singing. The class will cover basic vocal skills for speaking and singing, including breath work, posture, tone, pitch, articulation, and projection. Students will put these new skills to use by learning songs that incorporate the musical elements of melody, harmony, rhythm and mood.

Sing Your Song: Vocal Music for Kids $75/session; $150/full semester
Saturday
10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 6-10
This class will focus on the techniques young vocalists need to build a vocal practice, creating the foundation for a strong singing voice. Topics covered
include breath management skills, good speech habits, speech flexibility, and basic musicianship. Students will put these practices to use by learning to sing
as an ensemble or as a solo artist.

Sing Your Song: Vocal Music for Tweens $80/session; $160/full semester
Saturday
11:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 10-12 Ages: 13-14
This class for older children and young teens will focus on the techniques young vocalists need to build a vocal practice and care for their changing voices while creating the foundation for a strong singing voice. Topics covered include breath management
skills, good speech habits, speech flexibility,
and basic musicianship. Students will put these
practices to use by learning to sing as
an ensemble or as a solo artist.

Drama
Theatre builds many valuable skills and attributes, including ensemble work, confidence, vocal techniques, physical awareness and critical skills.

Acting Out! $70/session; $140/full semester
Saturday
10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 4 - 6
For the budding actor, this class combines dancing, singing, and acting. Children develop confidence, speaking skills and through role play, the art of self-expression

Drama for Kids $70/session; $140/full semester
Saturday
11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 7 - 9
Youngsters will learn vocabulary, basic acting techniques and performance protocol while building mental and physical discipline and learning to work as an ensemble. The class will culminate with an informal open studio performance. Performance materials change from semester to semester.

Drama for Tweens $70/session; $140/full semester
Saturday
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ages: 10-12 Ages: 13
Young teens will build confidence as they explore acting techniques and theatre history, methodology, and criticism. The class emphasizes ensemble work and discipline. The class will culminate with an informal open studio performance of a short play or collection of scenes from the canon of modern drama. Texts
change from semester to semester.

Visual Arts
Our visual arts program offers students the opportunity to explore a variety of media, including ceramics, paint, fabric, and animation, working with our faculty of distinguished teaching artists.

Art Explorers for Kids $70/session; $140/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Saturday
9:00am - 10:00am
Ages: 5-9
Children learn to draw, paint, create masks, collages, and mobiles using wide range of media including crayon, watercolor, papier mâché, and molding
compound.

Art Explorers for Tweens $70/session; $140/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Saturday
10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 10-12 Ages: 13
Students will learn basic design components such as line, shape, color and texture and will explore different materials and techniques for creating covers for magazines, books, and CDs.

Cartooning for Kids $70/session; $140/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Saturday
11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 7-11
Kids have a great time in this course which will have them producing their own original characters, comic strips, single panel cartoons, and humorous or action
hero illustrations in no time. The class will learn how to draw people, animals, and backgrounds which are then
incorporated into original scenes and stories created
by the students. Each student will produce their own
comic book to take with them at the conclusion of
the course.

Cartooning & Animation
$75/session; $150/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Saturday
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 12 Ages: 13-18 OR students who have completed two semesters of Cartooning Students learn the basic principals of animation by
creating their own animated videos. Participants
utilize stop motion techniques to animate ordinary
objects, people, and photographs, and create original
characters made from their own drawings and cut paper. Each student will have the opportunity to write,
direct, and incorporate sound into their own video
animation production, which they can take home on
VHS tape or DVD at the conclusion of the course.

Ceramics for Adults $90/session; $180/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Tuesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Adults.
Learn advanced hand-building, sculpture and wheel throwing techniques, as well as glazing methods.

Ceramics for Kids $85/session; $170/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Saturday
11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 9-12
This class will cover basic hand-building techniques such as slab and coil building to create sculptural and functional forms. Students will also learn how to glaze their finished pieces.

$85/session; $170/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Saturday
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 10+ Teens AdultsCeramics - Open Level
Learn advanced hand-building, sculpture techniques, and advanced glazing methods. Children, adults and seniors of all skill levels are welcomed! Advanced students have the opportunity to use the wheel. FREE open studio time Saturday 12:00pm - 1:00pm.

Drawing & Painting$90/session; $180/full semester
(workshop fee includes some supplies)Tuesday
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Adults
This class explores the elements and principles of composition as well as the wide variety of materials used in the practices of drawing and painting. This year will introduce students to the basics of Asian brush painting. Asian brush painting is an ideal subject to study; it gives the complete beginner a sense of
achievement and the more experienced and serious
student endless creative possibilities to explore. Using
a variety of Asian painting materials and techniques,
students will begin to learn the principles of Asian painting.
Student will begin by looking at shapes and will explore
still life and portrait.

Parent/Child Ceramic Arts$70/session; $140/full semester (workshop fee includes some supplies)
Saturday
10:00am -11:00am
Ages: 3-6
(one parent must accompany child to each session)
What better way to encourage your child’s creative impulse than with clay? This class fosters creativity and visual art skills while offering parents the opportunity to explore a new art form with their child. Discover art as a family! Price covers one parent and one child, as well as materials. Parent must attend with his/her child.

Other

Workshops for the Developmentally Disabled
JCAL offers custom-designed arts workshops for organizations that serve the needs of developmentally disabled individuals. We currently work with AABR, the Association for the Advancement of the Blind and Retarded, to offer a dance workshop for their residents. During our 2007 National Dance Week event, we also offered a special dance workshop for the Young Adult Institute. In 2008, JCAL's ARTventure program worked with several NYC Department of Education District 75 sites to offer in-school arts residencies in puppetry, theater and visual arts.

If you would like to explore special needs workshops for your organization, call 718.658.7400 ext. 123.

Quilt-N-Queens Quilting Guild

JCAL is proud that Jamaica’s own quilt guild, Quilt-N-Queens, calls our facility home. The guild meets on the first Tuesday of each month from October to June and offers fabric artists of all skill levels the opportunity to network, socialize and be a part of a vital artistic community.

Participants must have taken JCAL’s Traditional Quilt Making workshop or demonstrate proficiency in quilt making techniques. For more information please call, 718-658-7400 ext. 134.

Click here to view the fall 2010 flyer

Click here to print the fall 2010 workshop listing

Click here to view the fall 2010 registration form