High School Programs Abroad Program - The Academy for International Movement Studies, AIMS

Australia

Sydney:
Gold Coast:
Brisbane:
Great Barrier Reef:
New South Wales:
Queensland:

Chile

Santiago:
Valparaiso:
Vina del Mar:
All Other Areas in Chile:

France

Aix-en-Provence:
Paris:
Montpellier:
Nice:
Dauphine:

Greece

Athens:

Guatemala

Other Cities in Guatemala:

Italy

Florence:
Rome:
Milan:
All Other Areas in Italy:
Sicily:
Torino:

Nepal

Kathmandu:

Netherlands

Other Cities in Netherlands:

United States

Other Cities in United States:

Venezuela

Other Cities in Venezuela:

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: This summer we will be in Greece in July-August- 6-7 week program

Description: What if you could invent the perfect high school? What would it be like?

First, you'd want to make dancing a top priority. At least 2 hours of dancing a day, maybe 3 or 4 hours. Better yet, how about 2 to 3 hours of dancing twice a day! Next, you might want the school to be on an extended field trip to all the great performance venues in the world. And, so there wouldn't be any conflicts between school and sports, how about if all the teachers are also passionate dancers, choreographers and performers too.

While we're at it, we could eliminate homework and tests and have class only 2 hours a day and only in your favorite subjects. Way? No way!

Get real. The only way your parents would let you go to a Dance high school is if the academics were as strong or stronger than the best college prep school. That hurts.

But, what if there already exists such a school where we keep the classes small and the teacher to student ratio low say, at most 3 students per teacher, then classes could be more personalized. More like having a private tutor than getting lost in a big class of 15 to 20 students. You'd have to work hard but the sacrifice would be worth it. Think of all that dancing!

Next we could bring in the best dance teachers/performers to be your instructors. And since the school is mobile, it could travel to all the important festivals. Wishful thinking?

I've just described The Academy for International Movement Studies; a private college preparatory high school that travels the world.

My name is Wess Staats, Founder and Executive Director of The Academy for International Movement Studies based in Boulder Colorado, USA. I am writing to you as I wanted to let you know about a very unique educational opportunity and to see if you would be interested in becoming a participant in this amazing adventure.

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming a participant in a unique education filled with adventure? Have you always dreamed of new cultures and learning in a unique way? Are you interested in becoming a traveling student with the Academy for International Movement Studies (AIMS) ?

This is a one of a kind institution that provides the unique opportunity for high school students to live and travel abroad in what will be a fully accredited, 4 year college preparatory academy. It is in the early stages of inception but is in full swing in marketing for the four year program starting in the Fall of 2010. This summer however, we are running a pilot program which will resemble a regular academic semester. In July we are looking into setting up base on the Island of Thassos, Greece. Additionally, The Academy for International Movement Studies will run a Gap Year as well.

This is a very exciting and unique opportunity for students to live, learn and travel abroad while doing their passion for dance/artistic pursuits in the performance arena. The premise behind this idea is to allow young dancers/movers/artists gain exposure internationally while being facilitated under the umbrella of an academic atmosphere while learning abroad.

In addition to Greece, we are researching places such as Guatemala, Chile, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Nepal, among others, as places to travel to and set up base for semester study and live, learn and participate in another culture. Each country of origin will have a base camp to teach regular academic/college preparatory classes with morning technique classes and afternoon rehearsals. The semester's completion, apart from academic testing, would culminate in performances at local venues in the country of origin.

About our School Program:

The Academy for International Movement Studies offers kids and teens Dance programs from junior high school through college ranging in ability from beginner to advanced with a daily developmental emphasis. Teen Dancers learn techniques from a variety of styles, create choreography of their own and of the faculty culminating in international performances, or seek an international Dance adventure with unique cultural experiences twelve months of the year.

The Academy for International Movement Studies fosters individuality and honors the creative spirit. We believe that a child's education in the Arts helps to educe the creative mind and expand our capacity for learning.

Our staff come from many countries throughout the world. The depth of influence on ones creative exploration from distinct cultures is unparalleled in artistic and educational opportunities from regular educational environments in the USA.

AIMS employs instructors proficient in the techniques of Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Street and Improvisation. The variety and extensive cross cultural experiences of our staff bring the highest standard in Arts education.

Highlights:
The Academy for International Movement Studies (AIMS) is a unique learning institution. As a co-ed secondary school, it offers accredited college-preparatory courses, with an extra-curricular focus on Movement Studies/Dance.

AIMS fosters individuality, accountability, creativity, and international diplomacy through the everyday challenge of community living, small class size, international travel, dancing and performing. Classes at the Academy for International Movement Studies are scheduled, as they would be in a traditional high school. Each class will meet 5 times per week, for 55 minutes. Our academic calendar is divided into four 7-week quarters.

The Academy for International Movement Studies accommodates students requiring advanced classes. AP courses are aligned with the standards set by the College Board and classes are teacher led, rather than independent study. Per the new College Board requirements, all AP syllabi are turned in to the College Board prior to the beginning of the school year for course audit leading to official approval by the Board. Students will take the AP exam upon completion of the course.

Additionally, the faculty can tailor instruction to accommodate individuals with special needs in the class room. This individualized instruction, along with a small class size and nightly help from a mentor, allows students who struggle in traditional class settings to thrive academically and personally. Success in school coupled with the natural confidence that comes from strengthening one's skills in Dance and performance boosts self esteem and increases the initiative of our students.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

The Academy for International Movement Studies, AIMS's Mission Statement: AIMS'S goal is to provide traditional education in an experiential setting, emphasizing reading comprehension, communication, critical and disciplined thinking, and deductive reasoning in a classroom environment that fosters an appreciation for learning.