With back-to-school season on the horizon, the RCA is excited to kick off another year of Arts Discovery, where teachers bring their students for hands-on creative experiences. This unique curriculum, designed by the RCA Arts Discovery instructors and UBCO Education Faculty students, includes music, dance, theatre, and circus arts. Running since 2001, this program has been an integral part of the RCA’s youth programming. If you’re a teacher planning your upcoming school year, consider Arts Discovery!  

View our Arts Discovery Curriculum Guide for more details on each course here. 

The Art of Clowning & Improv – Available in French 

Have your students explore play, laughter, and creative expression in The Art of Clowning & Improv with Charmaine Mario, bilingual artist educator who sings, dances, puppeteers, and more. This program aims to cultivate a sense of joy, spontaneity, and teamwork in each participant. Students will have the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of clowning, including improv comedy, facial expressions, and character development. This blend of spontaneous humour with comedic circus routines will give students the opportunity to expand their creative thinking. 

Theatre Arts 

Dive into the world of theatre with our skilled instructors in Theatre Arts.  The goal of this class is to create an accusable space for everyone to experience theatre. Students will enjoy theatre games and get a chance to perform on stage in a mini performance at the end of the class. Come and unleash your creativity and explore the magic of theatre in this exciting and immersive experience! 

World Beat Dance 

Get ready to boogie in World Beat Dance! Discover cultural dances from around the world with instructor Tascheleia Marangoni (Tosca), professional dancer and artist. Each class includes a warm-up, fun techniques, and a dance combination, where you can choose between dances from all over the world - Hula (Hawaii), Flamenco (Spain), Belly Dance (Egypt), Salsa (Cuba), Bollywood & Bhangra (India), or Line Dance (Greece).  

Circus Arts 

Feel like a real circus performer and discover the art of Hoop Dance in our Circus Arts program. Join multidimensional entertainer, flow facilitator, and fun instigator Aimee Arsenault in this fun, accessible class to connect with your body using a hula hoop in ways you never thought possible. Expand your classrooms understanding of this artform as they bring tricks, concepts, and combinations to new heights. Each student will be able to let loose and get creative in this one-of-a-kind class. 

Martial Arts: Kung Fu  

Explore the timeless artform of Kung Fu with our friends at Great Way Martial Arts. This course will guide students through open-hand and body movement forms, building a sequence of moves with a determined "I can, I must, I will!" attitude. Emphasizing praise and positive reinforcement, Great Way Martial Arts is committed to helping students develop self-confidence, self-control, and respect. 

World Rhythm, Songs, and Stories – Available in French 

Embark on a musical journey that celebrates our deep connection to each other and the natural world through Indigenous rhythms, songs, and stories. Led by Angela Roy, a bilingual artist educator and recipient of the Prime Minister's Award of Excellence, this experience invites students to learn basic hand drumming techniques, explore musical concepts, and engage in call-and-response singing. Students will also get hands-on with a diverse array of percussion instruments from around the globe. Teachers will gain practical insights on how to bring these rhythm arts into their classrooms, adapting and applying the techniques to inspire their students. 

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We are excited to welcome you and your class to the RCA for these unforgettable arts and culture experiences. Book today – spots fill up quickly. 

Arts Discovery is made possible by support from School District 23. The RCA is extremely grateful to have the ability, thanks to our funders, to provide space for youth to experience arts and culture while learning valuable life skills along the way. 
  
You can also book activities with the Kelowna Art Gallery and the Kelowna Museums - make it a full day in Kelowna’s Culture District!