Colored Pencil Techniques

Did you know that there are a multitude of special techniques that can be applied using colored pencils? Creating highlights, shading, blending, shapes, and more. Each week will explore a new topic, techniques and artist(s). Participants who are interested will be invited to exchange postcards with classmates featuring their artwork.

Suggested class supplies: set of colored pencils (24 colors or more is ideal), sketch book, pencil (an ebony pencil is ideal), eraser, black felt-tip or fine liner pen, & straight edge (such as a 12 in. ruler). Optional extra supplies: colorless bending  pencil, blending stump (tortillon), & gel pens. For postcard mailing: you will need card stock, recycled materials or premade postcards, (3"x5" or 4"x6") and postcard stamps which are .36 per stamp.

Doodle Club

Join Miss. Lisa and other MCA community members virtually for a live and interactive art session. Each week students will have a chance to unwind from their day as they explore using shapes, lines and patterns to create new doodle designs. Come create and even relax the mind with us.

Students will just need a device enabled with Wi-Fi, white 8 1/2 x 11 typing paper, pencil, eraser and fine line felt tip black pen. Additionally, colored pencils or markers can be used to enhance creations, but are not required. Please make sure to enroll in this class at least 4 hours prior to class start time to ensure you get the Zoom link in time.

This class is free, however if you are find value in this program, our MCA Moments and want to help ensure MCA is able to continue to offer engaging programming during these challenging times and beyond, please consider making a donation if you are able.

Oil Pastel Kit

Ballet I/II A

Dancers will love this introduction to classical ballet basics, including the introduction of barre work. Dancers will gain poise, flexibility and strength as they build a strong dance foundation. Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.

Day/Dates: Thursdays, May 20-June 17

Time: 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Age: 7+ (by May 1)

Price: $50

Location: Inside Valencia Arts Center (Virtual option available upon request)

Instructor: R. Ryan

New to Ballet? We know that finding dancewear can be hard in our area, but please don't worry. Thanks to donations we are happy to offer families gentled used dancewear to families in need. Please contact our office to inquire at: mca@smumn.edu.

Contemporary Dance (ages 8-10)

This is a beginning study of contemporary dance, an expressive dance genre that combines elements of modern, jazz, and classical ballet. No dance experience necessary.

Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.

Day/Dates: Tuesdays, May 18-June 15

Time: 5-5:45 p.m.

Age: 8-10

Fee: $45

Instructor: Courtney Harms

Ballet IIB/ III

Fast beginning- Intermediate level of classical ballet.

Students joining in-person will need to familiarize themselves with MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.

Students joining via Zoom will just need a little space, a chair or railing to use as a ballet barre, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise families can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.

Day & Dates: Thursdays, May 20-June 17

Time: 6:30-7:45 PM

Age: Placement by Instructor

Instructor: R. Ryan

Location: Inside Valencia Arts Center (Virtual option available upon request)

Fees: $63

Tap Camp

Join us for an exciting week of rhythm!  TAP CAMP will include classes in tap technique, repertory, improvisation, body percussion, music theory, and concepts for the tap dancer, tap history, and tap in films. TAP CAMP will hold new challenges for beginning, intermediate, and advanced tappers. An informal demonstration for family and friends will be held on Friday. Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on dancers, it's TAP CAMP time! Campers (and friends and family on the last day) will be required to follow MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.

Dates: August 9-13, 2021  M-F

Time & Ages: Tap for Kids and Tap I: 10-Noon p.m. (ages 6+, no experience- two years experience)

Tap II-V: 9-12 p.m. (Intermediate & advanced Tap Dancers ages 11+ or MCA Tap levels II-V. Tappers will participate in a placement class on day one.)

Fee: Tap for Kids and Tap I: $85 (Early Bird Special), $99 (after May 1)

Tap II-V: $135 (Early Bird Special) $149 (after May 1) 

*Dancers should bring a water bottle and snack each day.

**Please don't let the lack of tap shoes be a barrier, we have a tap shoes that can be borrowed in most sizes, just contact our office at mca@smumn.edu.

Dance Me a Story

Are you ready to step on stage? Then you will love this camp. During this one week experience you will work with classmates to tell a story using ballet, creative movement, and theatre. Participants will even have the opportunity to craft their own costumes and design scenery in preparations for an informal outdoor performance on the last day of camp for friends and family. Campers (and friends and family on the last day) will be required to follow MCA’s COVID Code of Conduct.

Day/ Dates: Monday-Friday, June 21-25

Time: 1-4pm

Ages: 6-9 

Location: Outside Valencia Arts Center (moved inside if inclement weather)

Instructors: Rachael Ryan & Caitilin McCoy

Fee: $109 (early bird) $129 (after May 1, 2021)*

* Campers will need to bring a towel or sit-upon, water bottle, and snack daily. 

2021 Summer Camp Overview

Dance Me a Story- Monday-Friday, June 21-25, 1-4pm, ages 6-9, Outside Valencia Arts Center

Junior Training Program for Dancers- Monday- Friday, time and dates in July TBA ages 9-18(with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II), 

18th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)-  July 5-30, ages 12-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required.  Q & A about our SDI.

Mindful Moves and Artful Journaling- August 2-6, Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm, 6-12 years, Outside the Valencia Arts Center.

Tap Camp- Aug. 9-13, 10-12pm (beg- 2 years tap experience), 9-12pm (Int. & Adv. tap experience and 11+), Monday- Friday, ages 6+.

All of these camps will take place inside or outside of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts home, The Valencia Arts Center. Don't forget to also check our our May/June dance class session, National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshop, visual art classes (virtual and self-paced), summer private lessons, and summer theatre production.

Full camp descriptions