|
Applause for Applause |
News |
|
BACK TO Applause's News |
|||
Applause BYLINE: MARIAN DOZIER; For the Journal-Constitution Read the descriptions of classes offered at Applause . . . For Kids -- a new performing arts school on Old Alabama Road -- and see many mentions of feather boas, maracas and big hits from the Great White Way. The children's performing arts studio opened just two weeks ago -- the first location opened in Buckhead in August -- and it is clear the focus is on fun. Consider: "Learn the art of ballet through the use of storytelling, crowns, wands, boas and tutus," goes the description for Twinkle Toes, a beginning dance class for 1- and 2-year-olds. Lawrence and Jennifer Salberg, the owners, said it should be this way: interactive, noncompetitive, fun. "Society puts a lot of pressure on children to be the 'best,' to be better, faster, to test higher than other kids," Jennifer Salberg said. "But it's not about being the best. We tell the kids 'be the best you can be.' That really releases them." Professionally trained artists who cut their teeth in New York City's tough creative market, the Salbergs say they're not out to create hard-driving little stars; they teach arts as a fun, life-affirming diversion, not necessarily a future vocation. Stage moms, tone it down. There's an added benefit, Lawrence Salberg says: "There's a definite connection between arts education and ability to learn." The couple moved to Atlanta seven years ago to start a successful support group for local artists in metro Atlanta. It's a continuation of the work they had been doing in New York since 1986 -- an "arts ministry" they call it, but without the religiosity. Applause . . . is another form of outreach. "We've created an environment that teaches children to build each other up, rather than size each other up," says Lawrence Salberg, who saw plenty of that negative emotion during group rap sessions in New York. Currently, classes are offered for children from ages 1 to 8. Besides the Salbergs, who still perform regularly, there are three classically trained artists on staff. A six-week class in dance, acting or singing costs $100-$125. The studio also offers several performing arts camps. Details Name: Lawrence and Jennifer Salberg Business: Applause . . . For Kids, a performing arts studio for children in Buckhead and Roswell When started: In Buckhead, August 2002. In Roswell, March 2003 Why started: "We wanted to create an environment that teaches children to build each other up rather than size each other up," Lawrence Salberg said. Work experience: Lawrence Salberg has a degree in theater from New York University and has worked with acting teacher Lee Strasberg, playwright David Mamet and Academy Award nominated actor William H. Macy. Jennifer Salberg studied with acting coaches Lee Strasberg and Herbert Berghof and is a founding member of the Pied Pipers, a children's theater troupe. |
||||