Tiny Dancers: Movement Classes Just for KIds

Perhaps for some of us the memory of early dance classes bring back haunting memories of cruel ballet instructors too swift with the stick or hippy- dippy movement classes that encouraged us to " be a tree". Whatever your earliest remembrances were, as a parent I urge you to reconsider dance and movement classes for your kids. Times have changed and today's teachers are interested in opening kids eyes and ears up to their own inherent musicality and getting kids to embrace movement of all kinds. There are schools all over the Bay Area ready to cater to your little ballet dancer or tap whiz-find the one that works for you and visit the first class with your little one, stay involved and keep on dancing at home!!

Oakland's fabled Academy of Classical Ballet was founded in 1968 by then Artistic Director, Ron Guidi. There is a pre-ballet class for the littlest of learners 4-6 and formal training in ballet positions and movement begins after that in Level I and II classes.

JCC San Francisco offers a pre-Ballet class as well for ages 3-4 in addition they have a continuing class for 4-5. They also feature a Junior Ballet class for ages 5-7 building upon already established skills and warm up routines. For those kids more inspired by Savion Glover than Mikhail Baryshnikov, there are Tap classes as well as Storybook Song & Dance for pre-schoolers.

Ace Dance Academy in Walnut Creek goes beyond just basic instruction-their mission is to teach kids etiquette through dance, a love of movement and a sense of community through working with others. Classes in Creative Dance are open to 3 1/2 (potty trained) and up. Tap, Jazz and Hip-Hop classes are also available for the older set.

photo credit: Flickr, adjustafresh

Quality Time in the Kitchen

We all know getting our kids to eat healthy, well balanced meals can be a challenge that seems to increase with age. One of the time tested tricks for getting kids to eat better is to involve them in the process of making the food. Yes, it may slow down the kitchen considerably but the benefits of getting them involved continue well after they've left the nest. For parents who need a little push, there are cooking classes around the Bay that act as a great springboard for families looking to share some time in the kitchen.

What's Cooking is one successful model that was founded by mother and business woman, Michelle Stern. The company is a certified green organization and in between teaching scores of kids how to cook, finds a way to give back to the community. Classes are geared from preschool to teens and everything in between. Classes are offered throughout the Bay Area.

Apron Strings is a cooking school in San Francisco for both kids and adults created by CIA graduate, Roberta DesBoullons. Whether you want to create a private baking birthday party for your tween or enroll your kids in a week long culinary basics class, Apron Strings offers plenty of fun.

Spun Sugar bakery in Berkeley offers wonderful baking classes for kiddies and adults. Learn how to decorate fancy little cookies or spend the day whipping up cupcakes together-classes are held throughout the year but fill up quickly.



photo credit: Flickr, eyeliam

Artists Corner:Sarajo Frieden

Sarajo Frieden is a neighborly artist and illustrator, creating her work in the Southern climes of Los Angeles-but has shown in the Bay Area, most recently at Rare Device in San Francisco. Whether you are looking to spruce up a kid's room with fantastical fairytale schemes or imaginative figurative pieces-Sarajo has the vision to appeal to young and old alike. Her work has been featured in Communication Arts, 3x3 Magazine and the L.A. Times Magazine. Her clients include National Geographic, Nickelodeon and Chronicle Books.

Shop Small

In a time when consumerism seems like a dirty word the days of endlessly shopping online for your babes seems like it should no longer be a frivolous pastime. But for those of us who are trend watchers and enjoy well designed objects and clothing, there is a happy medium-a way to make shopping for the family a good thing: Etsy. Etsy is an online community marketplace that began in New York and has grown to a worldwide network of buyers and sellers. Artisans, designers and crafty folks can create online galleries of their limited edition clothing, bags, jewelery, artwork..you name it, its on there. For new parents, Etsy is a particularly great place to browse for one of a kind pieces for their little love bugs. There are hundreds of local Bay Area artists and designers to be found-driving home the new trend of thinking globally, shopping locally.

All the Young Dudes

While technically this designer strays somewhat South of the Bay Area, I find as a mother of a 2-year- old boy, a need to give props to good clothing design when I see it. The aptly titled Little Dudes Only features unique clothing for parents tired of decking Buster out in endless stripey shirts with tractors or boats. Started by mom of two boys, Ashley Milewski, the site is cleverly divided into style sections, is your boy a "rocker dude" or a "vintage dude"? The site offers fun and funky finds that while a bit pricey on certain items, offers amazing finds for your special little guy that are hard to resist. Check out their sale section for great deals too!

Worth A Listen

If you haven't tuned into Thin Air Media yet, take some time to listen to their thought provoking audio documentaries while the kids are sleeping or while you are working. Founded by local producers, TANIA KETENJIAN and AHRI GOLDEN, the programs "Born" and "Birth" have both been nationally recognized and "Birth" has gone on tour to bring people together to discuss the unifying experience that connects us all.
The two producers were featured in 7x7's "Hot 20 Under 40".



photo credit: Flickr, Julianne.hide

Artist's Corner: Lorena Siminovich

This column will be a monthly dedication to local artists or collectives that create art both kids and parents can appreciate. This month features the colorful collages with a modern twist of Lorena Siminovich. A Brazilian artist who found her stride first in NYC and now San Francisco, Lorena's Petit Collages use simple, clean designs infused with humor. She uses a variety of vintage papers and other media to achieve these multi-layered pieces that will hang well in any area of the house.

Treat Your Toes and Bring Your Tot

I have to admit that when I first saw the sign for Manni & Nanny on Divisadero in San Francisco I was skeptical. A nail salon where you can bring your kids? What about the chemicals? Wouldn't the little ones be miserable? My skepticism has given way to real curiosity seeing several positive Yelp reviews and hearing stories from other moms. Manni & Nanny was created by mom, Stacey Isaacs who saw a real opportunity with overworked moms looking for a block of time to call their own. Children from 6 months to 6 years are left in the care of experienced nannies in a separate room easily viewed by video screen and a large picture window. All the products are paraben-, toleuene-, and formaldehyde-free-so no worries about either you or the kiddies getting overwhelmed by fumes.



photo credit: Flickr, brandi666