All-Around Pinay Mama

Your Tutorial Center Launches Summer K-12 Bridging Programs

March 30, 2015

"The world is undergoing unprecedented changes brought about by rapid advancement in information and communication technologies, trade liberalization, globalization."

– UNESCO, 2010

Change is inevitable and adapting to change is another thing. In its pursuit to improve the Philippine education system, the Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented a major education reform known as the K-12 Curriculum.

The education program includes mandatory preschool education for five-year old children before entering the six-year elementary school as well as going through additional two years in high school or secondary education. Aside from this new structure, the medium of instruction from Kindergarten to Grade 3 will now be mother tongue-based. This means that the K to 12 student will be taught the core learning areas using his first language. The National Achievement Test, popularly known as NAT, will still be administered as an end-of-Grade 6 assessment but this time will serve both as an exit examination from elementary and entrance examination for Grade 7. Grade 10 students will also go through an assessment to qualify for senior high school and their chosen track. The end of Grade 12 examination will not only be the end of K to 12 exam but also serve as entrance exam for university.

These significant changes, initially, may be difficult for kids. As parents, there are a number of things to help your child or teen to prepare and embrace this transition. Parents can help their child to mentally organize and emotionally process the child's feelings such as fear of the unknown. By being a support system to your teens, you could help them cope with "anticipatory change jitters." Aside from these tips, there are private educational sectors who can also help you and you kids adapt to the new K to 12 curriculum.

“This is not a perfect curriculum. There is much for us to work on. There will be learning curves that we will need to meet and challenges to be resolved. But with everyone’s help, we will be able to roll out the program that we can keep improving over the next couple of years.”

-Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC Deped Secretary

Your Tutorial Center (YTC) is a 3-in-1 education center which offers Tutorial, Review and Language programs. YTC primarily provides ACADEMIC TUTORIAL programs from preschool to college all throughout the year.

This summer, YTC will be offering bridging programs focusing on developing and strengthening the coping skills of kindergarten until grade 10 students in order to smoothly transition from the old to the new curriculum.

"Aside from the basic literacy tools of reading, writing and numeracy, tomorrow’s individuals will need them knowledge and skills that will equip them to participate productively in their societies. "

– ADB 2008

YTC is one with the K-12 curriculum to produce Filipino graduates who are holistically-developed with 21st century skills through its program and services geared to prepare kids and teen for higher education, middle-level skills development and entrepreneurship.

Check www.yourtutorialcenter.com or call any YTC branch for more information on Summer K-12 Bridging Programs.

Learn Ballet from Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja- Elizalde

March 28, 2015

Nothing beats learning from the expert. When it comes to classical ballet, no one could ever surpass the achievements of Lisa Macuja- Elizalde.

Lisa started taking lessons in ballet at age 8. She would later become a scholar at the Vaganova Choreographic Institute also known as the Academy of Russian Ballet at Saint Petersburg, Russia. She is the first foreigner to join Russia's Kirov Ballet.

Lisa was the first artist-in-residence of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and in 1995 she established her very own company, Ballet Manila. The company recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary.

In 2014, Lisa celebrated 30 graceful years of stunning ballet performances. She has happily retired from performing and is now focused on mentoring future ballerinas as Directress of the School of Ballet Manila. Lisa's school is the only Philippine ballet school directly associated with the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia.

"What makes us different from other companies is our commitment to the highest standards of classical ballet based on our Russian Vaganova roots," Lisa explains.

One of the main training techniques of classical ballet, the distinct characteristic of this style is the ballerina's flexible shoulder motion as each step is executed. Other dancers simply move with "square" shoulders.

"The Vaganova method involves the entire body. Arms, legs and torso move in perfect harmony. Dancers trained by this method jump higher and do powerful turns. The technique require dancers to remain in the air for a long time, as if they are floating," she said.

If your children are showing interest in dance, why not send them to ballet classes during the summer vacation? Ballet Manila offers several novel and fun programs for young and talented dancers. Apart from the basics of the dance art, the classes follow a holistic approach by including fun activities for a more engaging summer endeavor.

For example, apart from ballet techniques taught in the baby ballet class, the students learn to play musical instruments and create props using fabrics. The intensive dance exercises in the intermediate class is combined with street dance, yoga and pilates. There will also be lectures on injury prevention, film screening about ballet and inter-active workshops with theater artists.

Ballet Manila’s summer intensive program is composed of the following classes:

Maria Ballerina

The Maria Ballerina Class is for students from 3-5 years old. They will learn proper ballet techniques, develop motor skills, coordination, rhythm and musicality. The students will also work with fabrics, props and musical instruments for a more enhanced learning experience.

Fairy Tale Ballet

The Fairy Tale Ballet Class with Tap and Tumble is for students ages 6-8. Combined with magical fairy tale dances and stories, students learn to appreciate self-control, joy in movement, body awareness, rhythm, musicality along with the structure of classical ballet. It also includes classes in Tap Dance, Tumbling and Gymnastics for musicality and rhythm development.

Beginner

Beginner Ballet Class is for young dancers ages 7-12 with no or limited ballet experience or training. The springboard course for classical ballet, aside from basic movements, concepts of rhythm, space, direction and music patterns are reinforced.

Intermediate

The Intermediate level is for students ages 12-14 open to boys and girls with previous ballet training. The classes include advanced barre work, intensive exercises and combinations, partnering and classical variations. The students will also learn street dance, yoga, pilates plus enrichment workshops to boost their dance appreciation.

Advanced

The Advance Level is for ages 14 years old and above with several years of ballet training. Also known as the pre-professional level, aside from the more complicated exercises and dance combinations it covers repertoire and variation learning which encourage students to become more expressive. The program includes additional classes in modern and contemporary dances like street dance, yoga and pilates, secondary classes in ballet technique and partnering and enrichment workshops.

Adult Classes

One is never too old to pursue a passion. Ballet Manila also offers classes for the young at heart. The adult ballet classes accept students who are willing to learn, including those minimal or zero dance background.

The summer workshop will run from April 6 - May 31; with enrollment ongoing until April 19. All participants will be part of the summer recital on May 31 at the Aliw Theater, where students will have a chance to perform alongside senior Ballet Manila dancers.

Ballet Manila is located at 1915 Donada Street, Pasay City and has a satellite school in Crossfit Halcyon in Fisher Mall.

Interested parties may enroll at Ticketworld outlets or via www.ticketworld.com.ph. All BPI credit card holders are entitled to an exclusive 20-25% discount off tuition fees.

For inquiries, email info@balletmanila.com.ph or call (+632) 400 0292 and (+632) 525 5967.

Your Tutorial Center Launches Summer K-12 Bridging Programs

Learn Ballet from Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja- Elizalde

SJ Valdez

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