THE CATERPILLAR PROGRAM
Our Caterpillar Preschool Program is a diverse, music theatre-skills based program for children ages 18 months to 7 years. We believe that children learn through experience – and with us, children will be able to experience learning through their bodies so they can remember it in their minds. Our integrated approach to learning offers an active, theatre-based curriculum which allows children to develop a love of music, dance, and character-based interaction while developing social skills and talents at a young age.
During each lesson, children will participate in creative dance, movement, and storytelling while enjoying music and drama games filled with imagination and creativity. The goal of the four-level program is to enhance each child’s overall development by advancing gross and fine motor skills and improving social, cognitive, and emotional awareness in an environment of affection, support, encouragement, and understanding.
*We welcome children with special needs and have found they thrive in music-based preschool environment
Location: Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy (145 Northfield Dr W, Waterloo)
Term: Tuesday, January 7th – Sunday, April 6th, 2025 (No classes March 11th – March 16th)
Cost: $120 + HST ($10 per class)
Interested in more than one? Class schedules are specially designed to allow students to participate in multiple types of classes if desired. 10% off family and multi-class discounts are offered at registration.
Indigenous youth under 18 will receive free tuition for Youth Academy training programs. Read More
We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial circumstance, is able to participate in Academy classes. Inquire about our flexible payment plans and financial assistance programs.
Don’t miss out on 12 weeks of theatre fun and friends! We can’t wait to spend the Winter Session with you at the Youth Academy–where you belong!
To inquire about payment plans, bursaries, and tuition support please contact youthacademy@draytonentertainment.com.
SKIPPERS
18 Months to 3 Years, With Caregiver
This class is rooted in creative dance and play for lively children and their guardians, aged 18 months to 3 years. Arrive in play clothes with no other equipment needed.
Allow your child to start off on the right foot, moving and grooving. Skippers is a fun and active program that allows children to develop social skills and talents at a young age. Children will participate in dance and movement while enjoying music and drama lessons.
Learn how dance, music, and imaginative play can nurture early neural development, with strengthening the caregiver-baby bond! Movement and music concepts will be introduced through circle dances, movement exploration, songs and rhymes, and sensory activities that help foster your baby’s cognitive, emotional and physical health.
SWALLOWTAILS
Ages 3 to 4 Years, With Caregiver
This class is designed for an active 3 to 4 year old with an introduction to movement, music and dance. Swallowtails includes rhythmic exercises and progresses through basic dance skills.
With busy toddlers in mind, we will focus on nurturing gross motor, cognitive and emotional development; through dance, music, circle dances, creative free movement, songs, rhymes, and storytelling. Focus is also on social skills, with a basic class structure and the ability to follow the instructions and take turns demonstrating skills with peers.
ANGELWINGS
Ages 4 to 5 Years
Angelwings is your child’s opportunity to explore the fine arts and develop talents, skills and confidence at a young age. Children 4 to 5 years of age will be inspired through dance, music, storytelling, and character work while making learning fun. This class has been designed exclusively for Kindergarten-aged students and will work on refining movement, expanding cognitive skills, and developing artistic abilities.
This class has a lively environment for independent movers and shakers to experience the joy of movement and music. Students will discover and explore movement and music concepts while gaining balance, flexibility, and coordination. Animated storytelling, songs and rhymes, instruments, props, and simple choreography will add fun and excitement to this structured, progressive, skill building class.
MONARCHS
Ages 6 to 7 Years
Monarchs is for children to experience the fun of learning how to sing, dance, act, and really PLAY! Fundamental elements are taught through a series of ‘theatre-style’ games, rhythms and rhymes, story creation, movement exploration, and basic choreography. Designed for an active, creative child who loves to express themselves through music and movement, this class will prepare children who are ready to progress in their dance and music adventures. Students will explore dance and music concepts through imaginative play and build deeper knowledge and body awareness in movement skills, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Instruments, singing, props, and creative dance will support the development of musicality and self-expression, helping children become confident and passionate performers and ready to progress into the elementary level of classes offered at the Academy!
