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ABOUT US
The ACDA Philosophy
ACDA provides quality, affordable dance
instruction in a non-competitive, inclusive program. While dance
increases fitness and coordination, the benefits dance instruction
offers students extends well beyond the physical. The child who dances
is involved in creating, imagining, sharing, expressing, and
cooperating. The process of learning a dance involves counting,
remembering, and visualizing. Performing for an audience develops
individual discipline, poise and confidence, as well as the satisfaction
of creation through commitment and collaboration with a group. The
program is designed to allow for all levels of experience and ability,
and to promote excellence, while accommodating anyone with a desire to
dance.
StFXU and ACDA
Since its incorporation as a non-profit,
charitable organization in 1977, ACDA has had close ties to the campus
community. The founding members of the organization were faculty and/or
their family members. Most of our classes take place in rented
facilities onStFXU campus.
In 2002 a longtime dream became a reality for ACDA.
St FXU, in response to the very evident need in the community for a
proper dance facility, included the Dance Studio in the Charles V.
Keating Millennium Centre. Every effort is made while scheduling to have
as many of our students as possible take dance class in this
state-of-the art dance facility.
Many of our teachers and dancers participate in
Theatre Antigonish productions. Many
StFXU students participate in our classes, and
observation of our Saturday children’s program is a part of the course
requirement for Human Kinetics movement and dance courses. Four of our
young teachers are X students. Through the StFXU Service Learning
Program, fourth-year Human Kinetics students provide important role
models and gain experience as student teachers in our boys’ class. ACDA
has initiated the first StFXU Dance Team that will be available to
perform at athletic events.
Opportunities for all
The articulate grace of ballet has always
attracted young students who wish to explore this beautiful art form.
Many dancers who have not started training early, or have only taken
jazz or other forms are discovering an urge to expand their technique
and commitment to dance by joining ballet in their teens. If you are one
of these, be assured: its not too late! In the Older Beginner class,
maturity and motivation to learn often allows teens to progress quickly.
ACDA is pleased to be offering students this opportunity.
Each year, creative young dancers look forward to
the very rewarding experience of choreographing a dance for the February
Choreography Showcase. Sometimes, however, the obstacles in terms of
developing an idea and finding the time and space to work on their
creation prevents them from completing a piece in time for this
fun-filled annual event. In Modern 1-2, teacher and award winning
choreographer Francine Boucher will have the students create a dance
together as part of the class.

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