Hoop Dance Camp July 8-12th 9:30-12:00 

Ages: 7-12

This camp series is an introduction to hoop dance. The aim is to build a strong foundation of basic movements with hula hoops. From an established base it is easy to incorporate those movements into dance. Throughout the week campers will be taking the tricks they learn each day and adding them together for a choreographed dance. 

Every class will start with stretching (yoga) to prepare our bodies for the rest of the session. Then, campers will warm-up their cores with waist hooping. In each class they cover a few fun tricks and insert them into choreography. 

As with most skills, the more time a camper puts in with their hoop the easier learning becomes. Mastery of these tricks will often take practice outside of class.

The Teacher instructs by demonstration, so the camper will be following step-by-step verbal instructions with visual cues throughout the class. 

This camp does not require any prior knowledge and plenty of hoops are provided for use. Make sure to wear comfortable/supportive shoes and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Bio:

Sammy Yelle is a nature-loving, homeschooling Mother of two young boys as well as a Circus Arts professional and mindfulness practitioner of over 14 years. She is the owner-operator of Vestopia Hoops, LLC. Throughout her career, which involves performing and teaching both kids and adults from 6 months to 90 years old, she aspires to spread joy, promote confidence, and share her love for the circus and movement arts.

 She began her movement and performance journey as a child. Often persuading the neighbor children to perform in dance based shows she created for their families. In 2007 she picked up a hula hoop, changing her life path. She started performing the summer of 2008 in the Catskills with a band named Mazmyth. Together they performed at small hole-in-the-wall venues as well as big ones like the Gramercy Theater in NYC and Main stage at Bamboozle. Moving to Boston after college, she went on to practice many more circus disciplines. Having spent many years practicing yoga under several knowledgeable instructors to help with her own alignment and posture, she incorporates much of that into her own performance style and teaching. 

In April of 2021 she transitioned from living and performing on the road, to putting down roots and becoming a steward of a small piece of the beautiful Adirondack Park. Since then, she has donated countless hours of performing and teaching time at many local live music and town events throughout our region, in the hopes that her art would boost our community's spirits during these difficult COVID times. The circus arts and dance lifestyle has made such a positive impact on her life, which is why she invites anyone curious or in need of some uplifting to try out a prop. She loves making every day a Circus day!

 Cancellation Policy

Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.

Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only.

July 9, 10, 11, 12, 15

Ages: 7-13 

Clay may come from the earth, but the sky's the limit in this art camp! From sensational sculptures to functional pottery and more, there is no limit to the mess of fun kids will have. Tiles, animals, masks, coil patterned dishes and extruded artifacts are just some of the projects kids may explore. Finished pieces will be teaming with textures and creativity!

NOTE THE DATES: This camp is held Tuesday-Friday and the following Monday

Cancellation Policy

Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.

Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only.

July 15 - July 19

Ages 6-10

Location: LPCA Theatre

Kids will find their very own star power in this terrific theater camp. Campers will dramatize some of their favorite stories and use theater games to build confidence. The camp will focus on fun and exploring imagination through improv & acting. Kids will learn to express themselves with their voices, bodies and minds while morphing into crazy characters. 

Cancellation Policy 

• Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.
• Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only. 

Let's Pretend! Theatre Games for Kids Camp July 22-26 9:30-12:00

ages 7-11

Looking for a fun intro to the world of theatre? Look no further! This camp will focus on building confidence, exploring imagination, and having fun as a team through improv, movement, and acting. Play games and create your own characters to build a story together. Learn basic theatre skills and terminology to help build a solid foundation for a lifelong appreciation of live performing arts!

Cancellation Policy

Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.

Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only.

July 29 - Aug 2

Ages: 13-17

Does your teen want to try their hand at learning the basics of improvisational comedy? Then this camp is for them. A week of fun filled and informative sessions with seasoned teachers Joe Conto & Amy Coddington-Burnett!

About the Instructors:

Joe Conto has been with Montreal Improv Theatre in Montreal, Quebec for 10 years.  First as a student and then as a performer and instructor.  He has taught all levels of experience as well as in classic improv formats such as Harold, Armando, Pretty Flower and Narrative.  He has performed at festivals in New York City, Toronto, Ottawa, Boston, Burlington and Hartford, and has also competed and placed first in Montreal’s city-wide Threepio Competition.  He has studied under improv notables Armando Diaz, Will Hines, Jill Bernard and Kirsten Rasmussen.  Joe Conto continues to teach in Montreal while employed as the Department Chair of Business & Hospitality with Paul Smith’s College.  Most recently, he has begun teaching improv in the tri-lakes area at both BluSeed Studios and Lake Placid Center for the Arts.

Amy Coddington-Burnett got her start in Washington, DC with WIT (Washington Improv Theater) both as a performer and teacher.  While there, she taught both traditional improv techniques and facilitated corporate team-building workshops, using those same skills.  After relocating to Saranac Lake, she founded the troupe Gag Reflex; both a performance group and community outreach organization. She currently teaches Improv for Life Skills as an adjunct instructor at Paul Smith’s College.  Additionally, she has taught at Hochschule Munchen School in Germany for the last three summers, teaching improv to international students. 

Cancellation Policy

•  Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.
• Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only.

Let's Pretend! Theatre Games for Kids Camp Aug 5-9 9:30-12:00

ages 7-11

Looking for a fun intro to the world of theatre? Look no further! This camp will focus on building confidence, exploring imagination, and having fun as a team through improv, movement, and acting. Play games and create your own characters to build a story together. Learn basic theatre skills and terminology to help build a solid foundation for a lifelong appreciation of live performing arts!

Cancellation Policy

Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.

Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only.

Aug 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12

Ages: 7-13 

Clay may come from the earth, but the sky's the limit in this art camp! From sensational sculptures to functional pottery and more, there is no limit to the mess of fun kids will have. Tiles, animals, masks, coil patterned dishes and extruded artifacts are just some of the projects kids may explore. Finished pieces will be teaming with textures and creativity!

NOTE THE DATES: This camp is held Tuesday-Friday and the following Monday

Cancellation Policy

Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.

Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only.

Aug 12-16

Ages 6-10

Location: LPCA Theatre

Kids will find their very own star power in this terrific theater camp. Campers will dramatize some of their favorite stories and use theater games to build confidence. The camp will focus on fun and exploring imagination through improv & acting. Kids will learn to express themselves with their voices, bodies and minds while morphing into crazy characters. 

Cancellation Policy 

• Contact us at least 6 business days before the camp start date, and we will refund the cost of the program minus a 15% enrollment fee.
• Contact us 5 business days or less before the camp start date, and we will offer class credit only.