Stand Up for the Arts in Alabama

Happy New Year!

January is a traditional time to take a moment for reflection and for renewed action.  Those together provide real opportunity to invest in what we value.  For me and many others, the arts are central to what we value and how we envision our communities.  The arts teach us to think critically and creatively, and work collaboratively.  These are skills for a lifetime.  The arts invite us to consider other points of view, other possibilities, new ideas, and, at their core, are joyful experiences.

Our Alabama legislature begins its budget work soon, and I encourage you to stand up for arts funding in the state budget  through the Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA).  Please take a moment to call, email or write your legislator to request that they restore $500,000 cut to the ASCA budget to fund it at the previous level of $4 million.

Children’s Dance Foundation, along with many others, receives funding from the council each year which is critical to providing direct services to children and adults in our communities throughout the State.  This year, we will serve 2000 children each week – boys and girls of all ages and abilities, who are at risk, or have special needs; and thousands more throughout the year with events and performances.  Our community programs at dozens of schools and social service agencies are possible because of this public funding source in addition to private support.

ASCA is far-reaching in its efforts to fund programs throughout the State.  The arts employ, empower and inspire community members, and have a profound and exponential impact.  Help our legislators understand that an investment in the arts is strategic and essential to the health and vitality of Alabama.

Here is a link to finding and contacting your legislator: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/.  Look on the left column of links and use “find your legislator” tool.  Send a message – tell your story of how the arts are an important part of your life and community.  Encourage restoration of the funding cuts for ASCA in next year’s budget.

Thanks for your support of the arts!

 

 

Summer Registration begins February 8th!

2012 SUMMER at CDF!  June 4 – August 4

Registration begins Wednesday, February 8th at 8:30 am. 

Registration forms (available on our website and at CDF beginning Feb. 8th) will be accepted by mail and at CDF, but not by phone, fax or email.  Summer classes and camps are held at our Community Arts Center in Downtown Homewood.

Weekly Classes (click for schedule)
Parent/Toddler Class
Parent/Child Class for Children with Special Needs
Movement to Music for ages 2-4
Movement to Music for School-Age Children with Special Needs
Ballet Enrichment for 6th-12th graders
Contemporary Dance for 6th-12th graders

Camps (click for schedule)
Half-day Costume Box Camp for 5 year olds
Full-day Creative Arts Camp for 1st-5th graders
Full-day Two-week Theatre Camp for 6th-9th graders

Hope to see you this SUMMER!