 |
IAN Widgery (left) and Miranda Widgery-Webber announce the grand
opening of their new Lower Lonsdale performing arts school |
Art studio offers unique courses
and training
Deana Lancaster (dlancaster@nsnews.com )
LAUNCHING a new performing arts studio in Lower Lonsdale is the culmination of years of training and months
of planning for Miranda-Webber and Ian Widgery.
"We've been researching how children learn," explains Widgery-Webber. "And what we've discovered is that
learning through the arts can help develop critical thinking and have a positive impact on communication skills.
"We want to give them a good start with art," she says.
The programs at Perform Art Studios have been designed by the pair to train the whole child: technically, intellectually
and artistically.
Widgery-Webber, originally from Bowen Island is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She trained
at University of Durham and the Hammond School in England, and in Canada at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and the Quinte
Ballet School. She has spent the past several years teaching and choreographing in England, U.S.A. and Hong Kong. As well
as ballet, she is trained in jazz and contemporary dance as well as flamenco and musical theatre.
Widgery is a music producer and DJ from London, and has spent the last 10 years producing records and working
on production for artists such as David Bowie, U2, Duran Duran, B*Witched, and Jane's Addiction. His latest project
Shanghai Divas Redefined is currently being released worldwide on EMI Records.
He met Widgery-Webber when she was training in England, "and my life has never been the same since," he laughs.
It was while the pair were recently working in Hong Kong that they began to talk about coming back to Canada and opening
their own school.
"We feel that as well as classical training, we do have international experience, and we feel that we're bringing
something new here," says Widgery-Webber.
For his part, Widgery is excited about the possibility of helping guide young talent.
"When I started there was nowhere for me to go to get answers. I had to figure it all out on my own. I'm really hoping
I can guide people, and offer advice and support."
Not only is Widgery the music director for the school, but he'll be teaching what are likely the most unique courses to be
offered by Perform Art Studios: DJ Lessons for students aged 12 to adult; and instruction on how to create music using
Apple's GarageBand software, also for students 12 and up.
Other programs include: First Start for ages three to six - instruction in dance, drama, music and the visual arts, designed
to develop creative thinking, communication skills, literacy, aesthetic awareness and physical coordination.
Perform Art Dance and Theatre Arts is for ages six to 18 and includes general dance and theatre art classes for students.
Perform Art Dance and Theatre Arts Associates is pre-professional training and Perform Art College is aimed at age 17 and above.
The couple have also started the Perform Art Youth Dance Theatre Company for students aged 11- 20.
Perform Art Studios is also offering summer programs, beginning in July.
The studio is located at 260 West Esplanade in North Vancouver. For more information, call 604-408-7481, send an e-mail to
info@performartstudios.com, or visit www.performartstudios.com
Story courtesy of North Shore News, News photo Mike Wakefield.
| 
