New Studio Director, Jennifer Clayton is excited to bring new classes and new energy into Mariposa Academy of Performing Arts this year, and continue the tradition of teaching dance and gymnastics in our wonderful community. Located a stone’s throw from the Mariposa Country Fairgrounds, MAPA has been part of the Mariposa art and education community for over 40 years, under the teachings of Miss Ta
mera Andrews. As of Fall 2024, this tradition will be carried on by our new studio director, Jennifer Clayton, who began dancing at MAPA with Miss Tammy at two years old, and continued dancing there through high school. In 2012, after a few summer dance intensives at UCLA, and some dance classes in college, Jennifer returned to Mariposa to raise her own little dancers and is now very excited to be taking over the running of the local dance studio. At MAPA we use our love of dancing to teach healthy habits, muscle conditioning, balance, coordination, flexibility, respectfulness, musicality, acting, teamwork, and more. Through the art of classical ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theater, and acro/gymnastics, we come together to learn graceful, artistic, and expressive movement. From preschoolers, to teens, to adults looking to keep mobile and strong, we have fun dancing together and learning new styles, techniques, and routines.
—Frequently Asked Questions—
**Where are you Located?**
We are at 4607 Hwy 49, Mariposa, Ca. You can find us between Varain Rd and Ben Hur Rd, just the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, in the far left corner of the Set Free Thrift/ Church parking lot.
**What classes are offered?**
~ Pre Ballet Age 2.5-5 yrs: Colorful and engaging introduction to the world of ballet, dancing, and tumbling. Designed for preschool age children 2.5 - 5 years old.
~ Ballet Age 5 and Up & En Pointe Ballet: Classical ballet training, including barre work, center floor work, and modern and classical ballet choreography. Focusing on technique, balance, body awareness, and graceful, precise movement. En Pointe Ballet is for experienced dancers 12 or older, to train in advanced ballet technique in Pointe shoes.
~ Jazz / Theatrical Dance: A mixture of traditional jazz with some more modern influences, moves, styles, and music. Fast, fun, loud, upbeat, and full of new tricks and techniques–for dancers age 7 and up.
~ Modern/ Contemporary: Borrowing from other genres of dance, breaking the strict rules of ballet while using its foundation and structure, this dance style uses fluidity, strength, expansion, contraction, and floor work, with expressive, emotional, and story-telling choreography–for ages 8 and up.
~ Acro/ Gymnastics: Focusing on strength and flexibility training, with two levels of gymnastics and acrobatics. For the beginning gymnast working on forward rolls, cartwheels, bridges, etc, and for gymnasts who have mastered the basics and are ready for more challenging acrobatic techniques.
~ Adult Ballet for Strength & Flexibility: Casual class for any age and experience level, focusing on gentle muscle building and healthy movement.
**When/ how can we sign up?**
Fall 2024 classes begin mid August, but new students are welcome to join any time throughout the school year. Since we have an annual performance in June, new students joining after Spring Break may not be ready to perform, but are welcome to start classes and get ahead for the following season. To enroll, text or email Jennifer Clayton with your name, phone number, email, the name and age of your student, and the list of classes they would like to attend. Check the current schedule to see which classes work for you. Or come by the studio during the class time to check it out and fill out an enrollment form.
**What does it cost?**
Monthly tuition is based on the number of classes per week per family.
- 1 class per week ..........$65 per month
- 2 classes per week.......$100 per month
- 3 classes per week.......$125 per month
- 4 classes per week.......$140 per month
- 5 classes per week.......$155 per month
Tuition is due on the first lesson of the month. Tuition is the same every month. No charge for the 5th lesson in a month, and no pro-rating for missed classes or holidays.
**Is there a performance?**
Yes! We have an annual recital in late June at the Merced College Theater. It is usually the last Saturday of June at 2pm, with a rehearsal a day or two prior at the theater. Please keep that week/end free for rehearsals and the performance. Tickets for the show are usually $15-$18 per person. There is usually one costume per class. Costumes range from $25 - $75, depending on the age and style of costume. Costumes are measured for and ordered in early Spring, so keep that in mind as well.
**Do you need prior experience to join?**
No prior experience is needed to join. Class levels are loosely based on a combination of age and experience, and children are placed accordingly. The classes for 12 and older are more challenging and would require some lower level classes taken concurrently to help catch up a new student. The Adult Ballet is open to any experience level and is very inclusive. As long as you or your child are there to do your best, learn, and have fun, we'd love to have you join us.
