Winter/Spring 2023 Youth and teen classes

Preforming Arts

Creative Cuties

Ages 3–4

Students are introduced to rhythm patterns, develop gross motor skills, and engage in imaginative play in this fun, high–energy class. Ballet basics will be taught while expressing creativity. Social skills are developed through learning to take turns and by following directions. Fitted dance attire such as leotards along with dance skirts, jazz shorts or leggings are required. No baggy clothing, long skirts/dresses, or jeans. Students with long hair should have their hair pulled back into ponytails. Student must be able to participate without a parent/caregiver in the room. 

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Kinder Expressions

Kindergarten, Ages 5–6

Students will be introduced to fundamental dance techniques. Self–expression is encouraged as children glide, hop, skip, and leap across the dance floor. Listening skills, rhythm and memorization skills are developed. Fitted dance attire such as leotards along with dance skirts, jazz shorts or leggings are required. No baggy clothing, long skirts/dresses, or jeans. Students with long hair should have their hair pulled back into ponytails. 

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Mini Jazz

Grades 1–2, Ages 6–8

In this class, first and second graders can make friends, explore movement and develop dance skills! Dancers will learn the basics of jazz dance through fun activities and dance combinations. Emphasis is placed on rhythm, basic technique, locomotion skills and coordination. Fitted dance attire such as leotards along with dance skirts, jazz shorts or leggings are required. No baggy clothing, long skirts/dresses, or jeans. Students with long hair should have their hair pulled back into ponytails. 

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Introduction to Jazz Dance

Grades 3–5, Ages 8–10

This class is for students new to Dance Expressions with no prior dance experience; this is the perfect class for brand–new dancers! Open to third through fifth graders. No class Jan. 16, Feb. 20, April 10, May 29 

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Intro to Jazz

Grades 3–5, Ages 8–10

This class is for returning Intro to Jazz students from Fall 2022 and new students with some dance experience. Come join us for this fun and upbeat class! No Class: Feb. 22

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Beginning Jazz

Ages 9–12

This class is for last year’s Thursday, 4:45 p.m. jazz class and new students with at least one year of dance experience. Students will learn skills such as leaps and turns while working on technique and increasing strength and flexibility.

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Intermediate Jazz 

Ages 11–14

This class is for last year’s Tuesday, 4 p.m. jazz class and new students with at least three years of dance experience. Students in this class should be comfortable with single pirouettes-working on doubles-chaine turns, pas de bourrées and leaps. Previous skills will be reviewed and added on to as well as the introduction of new skills. Our Saturday Technique class is a highly recommended supplement for students enrolled in this class. No Class: Feb. 21

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Intermediate Jazz

Ages 13–18

This class is geared toward the intermediate dancer. Emphasis will be placed on technique and proper body alignment. Complexity will be added to previous skills/steps as well as the introduction of new skills. This class incorporates a warmup, across the floor and combinations. Dancers should be comfortable with double pirouettes and working toward triples, various leaps, kicks and more. Our Saturday Technique class is a highly recommended supplement for students enrolled in this class. 

Instructor: D. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Advanced Jazz

Ages 13–18

This class is for the advance dancer. Students must have a solid dance foundation as this class moves at a very fast pace. Focus on style and technique, including longer and more difficult combinations requiring more control, incorporating bigger leaps (seconds, switch, scissor, etc.), more turns (triple pirouettes, a la seconde turns, etc.) and higher kicks. Each class will consist of a warmup, across the floor, proper jazz technique and combinations. Our Saturday Technique class is a highly recommended supplement for students enrolled in this class. 

Instructor: D. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Dance Expressions Performing Company

Ages 9–18

Interested dancers must have strong dance skills, stage presence and work ethic. All Performing Company dancers are required to enroll in and attend another weekly Dance Expressions class, as well as be enrolled in and attend the Saturday Technique class. Performances will be throughout the dance year at local events concluding with the annual end-of-the-year performance in June! Please contact us at danceexpressionsmp@gmail.com if you are interested in joining the Dance Expressions Performing Company!

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Dance Expressions Advanced Performing Company

Ages 13–18

Interested dancers must have strong dance skills, stage presence and work ethic. All Performing Company dancers are required to enroll in and attend another weekly Dance Expressions class, as well as be enrolled in and attend the Saturday Technique class. Performances will be throughout the dance year at local events concluding with the annual end-of-the-year performance in June! Please contact us at danceexpressionsmp@gmail.com if you are interested in joining the Dance Expressions Performing Company!

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Lyrical dance

Ages 10+

Lyrical dance uses the mood of the music to bring out the movements from the dancers. This class will consist of a warmup and include across the floor progressions and center combinations. The mixture of these two styles will make for a powerful, yet graceful class. This Saturday technique class is a highly recommended supplement for any of our classes. 

Instructor: D. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Lyrical

Lyrical dance uses the mood of the music to bring out the movements from the dancers. This class will consist of a warmup and include across the floor progressions and center combinations. The mixture of these two styles will make for a powerful, yet graceful class. The Saturday Technique class is a highly recommended supplement for any of our classes. 

Instructor: D. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Beginning

Ages 10–18

Intermediate

Ages 12–18

Advanced

Ages 13–18

Intermediate Jazz hip-hop

Ages 12–18

Geared toward the intermediate dancer.

Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Advanced Jazz hip-hop

Ages 13–18

Geared toward the advanced dancer.

Instructor: D. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Teen Jazz

Ages 12–18

Students in this class will learn jazz choreography and participate in across the floor and center work. Students will learn skills such as leaps and turns while working on technique and increasing strength and flexibility. No class Feb. 23, April 13

Instructor: M. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Dance Expressions Saturday technique - Beginner/intermediate

Ages 10–18

This class is for the dancer who is serious about giving extra attention to improving their technique. This class will increase your flexibility, strength, endurance, and will focus on the proper execution of basic – advanced leaps and turns as well as combinations and sequences. Essentials learned in this class can be applied and will be beneficial to all other areas of dance. Take this class along with another Dance Expressions class to see improvement! No class Feb. 18, March 25, April 15, May 27 

Instructor: D. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Dance Expressions Saturday technique - Advanced

Ages 12–18

This class is for the dancer who is serious about giving extra attention to improving their technique. This class will increase your flexibility, strength, endurance, and will focus on the proper execution of basic – advanced leaps and turns as well as combinations and sequences. Essentials learned in this class can be applied and will be beneficial to all other areas of dance. Take this class along with another Dance Expressions class to see improvement! No class Feb. 18, March 25, April 15, May 27 

Instructor: D. Fernandez
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Piano 1 Mini–Groups

Ages 6–9

Learning to play the piano is fun! By putting students into small groups, we give them a chance to share the learning experience with others. Activities include music-oriented games, EZ music theory and ear-training. Piano 1 includes introduction to note reading in progression to Piano 2; reading music. We hold a recital on the last class of each session. Each student has access to a piano or keyboard in class; however, a piano or keyboard is needed to practice at home. Materials fee for music book included. 

Instructor: S. Tuchinsky 
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Piano 2 Mini–Groups

Ages 6–9

Learning to play the piano is fun! By putting students into small groups, we give them a chance to share the learning experience with others. Activities include music-oriented games, EZ music theory and ear-training. Piano 1 includes introduction to note reading in progression to Piano 2; reading music. We hold a recital on the last class of each session. Each student has access to a piano or keyboard in class; however, a piano or keyboard is needed to practice at home. Materials fee for music book included. 

Instructor: S. Tuchinsky 
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Hip-hop dance and breakdance

Ages 6–9

Current hip–hop styles and steps are introduced in an upbeat environment, using fun and age appropriate music. Dancers will also learn the 7 elements of Break–Dance: Top Rock, Feet–Work, Freezes, Spins, Drops, Treading and Swipes. No class March 3, April 7 

Instructor: K. Ali
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Hip-hop dance and breakdance

Ages 10–13

Current hip–hop styles and steps are introduced in an upbeat environment, using fun and age appropriate music. Dancers will also learn the 7 elements of Break–Dance: Top Rock, Feet–Work, Freezes, Spins, Drops, Treading and Swipes. No class March 3, April 7 

Instructor: K. Ali
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Fairy Tale Theater 

Ages 4–6

We will act out a variety of multicultural and updated folk tales to reflect more empowered roles for girls. This is a great class to experience the magic of believe while enhancing self-esteem and language skills. Come and join the fun! No class Jan. 16, Feb. 20, May 29. 

Instructor: R. Sampson
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Theater Performance

Ages 7–11

In a supportive environment, your child will learn stage presence, character development and vocal techniques. The students will perform an original one act play. Come and join the fun!

Instructor: R. Sampson
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Music and Magic

Ages 6–18 months

Experience the joy and magic of live music in a supportive and gentle environment. We will sing many favorite children’s songs including, “ABC,” “Old MacDonald.” “Wheels On the Bus,” and “Baby Beluga, accompanied by my guitar. A music CD is included. Come and join the fun! No class Jan. 16, Feb. 20, May 29

Instructor: R. Sampson
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Music and Magic

Ages 1.5–3 years

Experience the joy and magic of live music in a supportive and gentle environment. We will sing many favorite children’s songs including, “ABC,” “Old MacDonald.” “Wheels On the Bus,” and “Baby Beluga, accompanied by my guitar. A music CD is included. Come and join the fun! No class Jan. 16, Feb. 20, May 29

Instructor: R. Sampson
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Enrichment

Mandarin Chinese Parent and Me

Ages Infant–4 years

This is a fun interactive, play-based class for young children and parents to learn Mandarin Chinese through songs, rhymes, math, body movements, stories, crafts and games. Children will have early exposure and build a good foundation to successfully acquire the language later. Adult participation is required. Drop-in class is available. Contact info@haichinese.org for more. $30 material fee included in registration fee.*

Instructor: Hai Learning staff
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Beginner Spanish for Children

Focused on grammar, countries and capitals, verbs, sentence, reading, writing, words, days of the week, months and more.

Instructor: D. Reyes
Location: Online 

Advanced Spanish for Children 

Focused on grammar, countries and capitals, verbs, sentence, reading, writing, words, days of the week, months and more.

Instructor: D. Reyes
Location: Online 

Introduction to Public Speaking

Ages 7–12

Public speaking is one of the biggest fears of human beings. Building and developing public speaking skills should begin at an early age. Students learn to construct narrative, informative and persuasive speech writing. At EASE, we believe in creating a fun and engaging environment in coaching these young learners to become better communicators in the future. No class Feb. 20

Instructor: C. Lim
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Introduction to Public Speaking

Ages 9–14

Want your child to become a more confident presenter? We develop your child’s communication skills by taking them through a creative and stimulating journey. We accomplish this goal by utilizing the official TED Talk guide to coach presentation. At EASE, we believe in creating a fun and engaging environment in coaching our youth to become better communicators in the future. No class Feb. 20

Instructor: C. Lim
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Public speaking: confident speakers and writers

Ages 7–12

Being able to communicate effectively and confidently has immeasurable benefits in students’ professional and personal lives. This class will teach young children to stand tall, speak confidently in front of a group, maintain eye contact, and correctly use volume and expressions. This class helps them give structure to their thoughts improving their writing skills. Activities include tongue-twister challenges, storytelling, poem recitals and presentations. 

Instructor: Guru Education staff
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Public speaking and debate skills

Ages 7–12

Building confidence in children so they can express in group setting has immeasurable benefits in their school, personal and professional lives. The students in this program learn how to manage public speaking anxiety, present themselves with confidence, and connect with the audience fluently. In the debate portion of the module, they learn how to make strong arguments by providing reasoning and evidence, creating a foundation of critical thinking and essentials of debating. 

Instructor: Guru Education staff
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Smart money and investing

Ages 8–13

A useful and fun course that benefits and is loved by children and parents alike! This class introduces students to money management using activities like comparative shopping, salary analysis, budgeting a trip, wants and need planning. Students learn how to track expenses and analyze them.

Instructor: Guru Education staff
Location: Online 

Building Public Speaking Confidence

Ages 7–12

This course teaches young students the essentials of building confidence in public speaking. Taught using the fun concepts of show and tell, storytelling, reciting poems and pretend games. This is an excellent class to start developing confidence in young students in a fun way. The participants learn to stand tall, speak confidently, maintain eye contact, and proper use of volume and expressions. 

Instructor: Guru Education staff
Location: Online 

Public speaking: confident speakers and writers

Ages 7–12

Being able to communicate effectively and confidently has immeasurable benefits in students’ professional and personal lives. This class will teach young children to stand tall, speak confidently in front of a group, maintain eye contact, and correctly use volume and expressions. This class helps them give structure to their thoughts improving their writing skills. Activities include tongue-twister challenges, storytelling, poem recitals and presentations. 

Instructor: Guru Education staff
Location: Online

Advanced Public Speaking and Debate Skills

Ages 8–13

This course help students structure their thoughts and express them confidently making them strong, confident and happy! In the debate section the students not only voice their opinions but also listen to the other side. The students become better listeners, learn note-taking strategies making them effective communicators. Students will be encouraged to speak on topics of their and use props, stories, jokes, and quotes to make learning easy and exciting!

Instructor: Gurus Education Staff 
Location:Online

Menlo Park Chess Club

Ages 5–17

The Menlo Park Chess Club offers drop in casual instruction, lectures, informal play, rated and unrated tournaments and other chess activities, striving to appeal to players of all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to s strong masters. Offered at no cost for Menlo Park residents. In person Registration is required to participate.

Instructor: M. Drury
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Sports

Hi-Five Sports Multi-Sport

Ages 4–7

This class will make sure the children are having fun and learning at the same time. We believe that having fun while growing and learning key skills is very important to every child. We will be playing a variety of fun games and variety of basic sports play.

Instructor: Hi-Five Sports
Location: Arrillaga Family Gymnasium/Burgess Park

Hi-Five Sports Lil Basketballers

Ages 3–5

Hi-Five Little Ballers is a weekly developmental basketball program for children 3–5 years old. No class Feb. 19, April 9. 

Instructor: Hi-Five Sports
Location: Arrillaga Family Gymnasium

Hi-Five Sports Baseball

Ages 4–8

Hi-Five Sports Baseball is a weekly developmental baseball program.

Instructor: Hi-Five Sports
Location: Burgess Baseball Field

Hi-Five Sports Basketball League

Grades K–2

Our highly trained staff is here to teach the fundamentals of basketball and skills to become a better athlete. No class Feb. 19 

Instructor: Hi-Five Sports
Location: Arrillaga Family Gymnasium

Hoopsters Basketball

Ages 5–12

Fun, exciting and noncompetitive introduction to basketball for boys and girls.

Instructor: Tim Bowler
Location: Arrillaga Family Gymnasium

Mommy, Daddy and Me tennis

Ages 2.5–4

Searching for the perfect way to introduce your child to the game of tennis? This class offers a fun way to interact with your child, while teaching them the basics of the game! No class Jan. 15, Feb. 19, May 28

Instructor: Euro School of Tennis staff
Location: Willow Oaks Park 

Pee Wee tennis

Ages 4–5

Have fun and learn tennis basics at the same time with our Pee Wee Tennis sessions. Our program offers your small tennis star a fun introduction to the game in a setting that’s perfect for their learning abilities. No class Jan. 15, Feb. 19, May 28

Instructor: Euro School of Tennis staff
Location: Willow Oaks Park

Mini aces tennis

Ages 6–8

If you have a budding athlete, are looking for a great way to keep your kiddo active or interested in having your child learn tennis fundamentals, our Mini Aces program is the perfect solution! No class Jan. 15, Feb. 19, May 28

Instructor: Euro School Of Tennis
Location: Willow Oaks Park 

Teen tennis stars - novice

Ages 9–14

Ready to help your children develop a passion for the sport of tennis? Our Teen Tennis Stars program is the perfect way to do just that! Little or no tennis experience needed. No class Jan. 15, Feb. 19, May 28

Instructor: Euro School of Tennis staff
Location: Willow Oaks Park

Traditional Karate - Beginning

Ages 8+

Participants learn traditional Karate from Okinawa Japan, focusing on kata, self–defense, awareness, sportsmanship, athletics and well–being. Training adopts science of the U.S. Olympic committee and standards of the Japan Karate Federation. No class Jan. 16, Feb. 20, May 29

Instructor: JP Williams
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Traditional Karate - Experienced 

Ages 8+

Participants learn traditional Karate from Okinawa Japan, focusing on kata, self–defense, awareness, sportsmanship, athletics and well–being. Training adopts science of the U.S. Olympic committee and standards of the Japan Karate Federation. No class Jan. 16, Feb. 20, May 29

Instructor: JP Williams
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center

Technology

Robotics and engineering

Ages 9–14

EASE Education offers a stimulating robotics program. We use VEX GO construction system that teaches the fundamentals of STEM through fun and hands–on activities. We help creative minds put mathematical concepts to the test as they develop a better knowledge of robotics, computer programming and teamwork. No class Feb. 20

Instructor: C. Lim
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center 

Introduction to Robotics

Ages 6–9

EASE Education offers a stimulating robotics program for young engineers ranging from first to third grade. Utilizing VEX 123, we teach young learners how to use VEX code with Drag and Drop blocks to code the 123 robot. Learners can code the 123 robot using touch to control movements and sounds. They learn sequences, logic and problem-solving. Learners progress to using coding Cards and the VEX Coder to control the 123 robot. They learn real programming away from tablets and computers. No class Feb. 20

Instructor: C. Lim
Location: Arrillaga Family Recreation Center