The After-School Arts Academy presents a multi-disciplined course in dance, drama, music and the visual arts. Taught by local professionals in a creative environment, classes are offered by themselves, or they may be combined in a package of arts, such as dance and drama, music and painting, solo instruments and band, principles of acting and theater workshops, etc. Students are invited to join some of the arts and performing companies, such as the Voices of Heritage Gospel Choir, and invited to perform at community events and schools. The program hours are 4-6 p.m. Holiday and summer camps are available located at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22 Ave. Call 305-638-6771 for more information.
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More than 350 aspiring young artists are currently enrolled in the ever popular summer arts academy at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center at 6161 NW 22 Ave., Miami, which provides professional training in the visual and performing arts. The multi-arts facility, built in 1975, houses a dance studio, visual arts complex, art gallery, black box theater and a scene shop.
Fifteen-year-old Wynett Wright and 16-year-old Catherine Taylor, students at Krop Sr. High, are taking dance classes at the Center this summer. Both are talented performers who love dance.
"The love for the art is what it's all about," said Wright. Wright, a seven year veteran at the summer program, was the one who encouraged her young friend to sign up. "Wynett raved about the Center, how much fun she was having and how it helped improve her technique. I thought I'd give it a try," said Taylor. "This is my first year and I just love it. Everyone here dances with so much expression, they're able to let themselves go."
It's also the first summer here for Katrina Hughes, age 17, a student at Carol City Sr. High. "People here treat us like we're their own children. They give us confidence," she said. "I will graduate from high school next year and I hope to be a professional dancer. If I ever make it professionally, I will owe it all to the African Heritage Center."
Based on the Center's track record, Katrina and other aspiring artists have a good shot at getting there. "If one of our kids auditions for a production, movie, or even a chair in their school band, they always get in," said Bernard Coats, Arts Supervisor at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. "Last year one of our female students auditioned for a speaking part in an Oliver Stone movie and got the part," he said.
"Kids don't have to know anything about the arts when they come here," said Coats. "We start out children at ages five to 10 with a well rounded schedule of all the art disciplines — instrumental music, art, drama, vocals and dance."
By the end of the summer, teachers are able to determine the student's strengths. Students can be recommended for scholarships based on the students behavior, performance and enthusiasm at the Center.
Students participate in variety of elaborate and entertaining productions at the Center that are often free to the public. At the end of the summer, students put on a show at the Joseph Caleb Auditorium, 5400 NW 22 Ave., Miami.
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