About Us
Our school year arts enrichment program is for children ages 3 to 5 years. Our summer arts camp is for children ages 3 to 6 years.
We also offer dance, art & yoga classes for children.
Our dance classes introduce dance movements & concepts, using age appropriate themes & techniques, while focusing on the fundamental movement skills. We focus on body awareness, balance, bending & stretching, walking & running, hopping & jumping along with other age appropriate dance movement skills.
Children will get a chance to express themselves creatively and discover the joy of dance in their own way, while physically developing a strong kinesthetic awareness of themselves, gaining valuable skills and creating a strong foundation for life-long learning.
Our art classes are a great place for children to explore with varied media & styles and really use their creativity & imagination.
Our yoga classes have a unique approach which combines yoga poses with art, stories, games, props and music. We also explore breathing & relaxation techniques. Non-competitive and fun, students work on developing strength, flexibility, balance, concentration and self-confidence. Children learn how to relieve frustration, improve motor skills, increase attention span & build a fit, healthy lifestyle.
Kids & the Arts School Year Program - arts enrichment school year program for children ages 3 to 5 years old. This program includes art, theater, music, dance, yoga, story telling, cultural arts, language arts, performing arts, creative explorations & more. This program takes a holistic approach, our main focus being to add to the creative & social enrichment of each child. Children will get the chance to explore the arts and express themselves creatively in a supportive & nurturing environment. It is a place where children can learn & grow while letting their imagination and creativity guide them to new experiences. New skills and talents will be honored. We strive to inspire each child and allow them the opportunity to learn in their own style.
Boutique- Our online boutique offers beautifully created, custom crafted tutu's from several designers and handmade wooden stools for children.
All experience levels are welcome!
Michele Rothberg
Program Director & Teacher
Michele grew up in Santa Monica, CA. and was introduced to tap at the age of 5, she began studying ballet at 6. She started training in musical theatre at The Santa Monica Playhouse at the age of 9 and quickly became a member of the Young Professionals Company where she was able to perform throughout the years in numerous theatrical productions. When she was 13 Michele went on to study ballet, jazz & modern dance at Dance Studies International in Los Angeles under the direction of Syni Patterson. She was thrilled to perform with her team members in various venues in the greater Los Angeles area. She received a drama & dance scholarship to attend the University of the Pacific, where she continued her studies in theater & dance performing on the stage at the university level. She then went on to study visual art at The Academy of Art in San Francisco. She trained in voice & commercial acting and enjoyed acting in films, television & commercials both on camera and voice over.
Beginning in 1996 she began teaching pre-ballet to 2-4 year old children as well as private dance instruction for 5 year olds and up in Seattle, WA. Most recently she taught Dance with Me! Classes at The Dance Center here in Durango.
In February of 2009, combining her joy for dance & the arts and her love for children she decided to create a program that would be an educational, fun & magical experience for Durango’s youngest dancers and their parents.
She currently studies Tap, Karate and Yoga and is a certified Itsy Bitsy Yoga Facilitator
B.A. double major in Communication & Human Services
CPR Certified Instructor's Aid
Heidi Craw, Art Teacher
Heidi is an artist and proud mama of one busy little girl. Born and raised in Colorado and graduating with a B.A. in Fine Art, she has been creating art ever since she was a young girl. She truely enjoys the creative process, nurturing the imagination and sharing her love of the arts with people of all ages.
Kathryn Samaltanos, Teacher
Studied Theater and Comparative Literature at the University of Georgia. She went on to build a career in the healing arts in Los Angeles, CA practicing massage therapy and teaching yoga to children and adults. In addition, she works as a freelance writer covering holisitic health and lifestyles, current events and local attractions. She has recently relocated to Durango, CO with her wily 5 year old son who inspires her daily to be creative, authentic and to stay in touch with her child-like wonder. She looks forward to sharing, learning and growing with the sweet spirits of all ages who participate in the Kids in the Arts program.
International Kundalini Yoga Certification
Vinyasa Yoga Certification
CPR Certified
Visiting Artists
A few of our fantastic visiting artists...
Connie Cummins, Music Teacher
Lani Dill, Musical Theatre and Dance
Bonnie Ward, Art Teacher
Dick Walker, Tap Teacher
Beth Roberts, Dance Teacher
Ronell Oliveri, Theatrical Make-up & wig artist
Stephanie, Durango Gymnastics
Matt the Magician
Carrie Allen "Ruby Balloon"
