Place des Arts' satellite classes at the Evergreen Cultural Centre have been such a hit they'll continue with a winter session starting in January.

Dance teacher Kristen Pickell offers tap for kids aged five to 11 in three different age groups, and lyrical dance for youth aged 13 and up.

The tap classes are open to beginners and children with some experience. They focus on musical phrasing, rhythm and footwork and building strength, stability and coordination.

The lyrical class is for intermediate dancers wishing to improve technique and build core strength. It includes a modern jazz component and focuses on finding emotion in the movement.

Actor, director and playwright James O’Shea will once again offer his popular Instant Theatre improv class for children and youth aged eight to 17.

Made famous by Theatre Sports, Saturday Night Live and Whose Line is it Anyway?, theatrical improvisation is an integral skill actors rely on for play building and informing character development.

Register for classes at www.placedesarts.ca.

STRINGS SING AT PLACE CLASS

Place des Arts has several new group music classes beginning in January. Registration is now open for Group Violin (6-8 years), Group Guitar (9-12 years), PdA Fiddlers (10-15 years), String Quartet Junior (9-14 years) and Singing Fundamentals for Adults. Registration information is available by calling 604-664-1636 or visiting Place des Arts at 1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam.

Leading the PdA Fiddlers is new violin teacher and fiddler Rosie Carver. She has been a fixture in the local music scene and has performed and recorded with the Celtic group Blackthorn for over 20 years. She is trained as a classical violinist, has obtained her ARCT and is a member of the BC RMTA. She is the associate director of the Vancouver Corelli Strings and the founder and director of the West Coast Fiddle Heads.

The PdA Fiddlers is a fun introduction to the basics of Celtic music for intermediate level violinists. Students will develop a repertoire of simple jigs, reels and airs and perform them each term. The technical requirements for the PdA Fiddlers are RCM Grade levels 3-6.

The String Quartet Junior is led by teacher Joshua Dean and requires an informal audition, which may be arranged by calling Melanie Burner at 604-664-1636. The quartet setting teaches students how to blend separate parts of melody and harmony while still being heard as individuals, unlike solo playing which primarily works with melodic lines. The learning benefits include increased accuracy in intonation and rhythmic skills, appreciation of musical styles and interaction between players.

Group Violin, Group Guitar and Singing Fundamentals for Adults require little or no previous music experience and are a great way for children and adults alike to get started.

For more information about these and other class offerings this winter at Place des Arts, visit www.placedesarts.ca.

FREE EXAM PREP

Place des Arts invites piano and music theory students to a free exam preparation workshop.

Dr. Anna Levy leads a piano exam prep workshop on Nov. 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Place des Arts.

Levy holds doctorate of musical arts from the Moscow Conservatory, and has over 20 years teaching experience. She also performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician. Many of Levy's students have attained their ARCT and/or have been accepted into post-secondary music programs.

For more information and to reserve a space, call 604-664-1636. Parents are welcome to accompany the students.