Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are excited to feature Bedford Youth Performing Company (BPYC), which offers professional quality performing arts opportunities for students studying dance, music, and theatre . Learn all about BYPC below!
Tell us about BYPC!
BYPC offers professional quality performing arts opportunities for students studying dance, music, and theatre. Performing opportunities include recitals, musical theatre productions, cabarets, workshops, and community performances in New Hampshire, as well as performances on location at venues such as Walt Disney World, The Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade, cruise ships, and music festivals. Additionally, BYPC raises the bar by taking students to workshops in places like NYC to learn from Broadway’s brightest stars and bringing in top experts across various fields to be guest master teachers at our New Hampshire performing arts school.
How would you describe the philosophy and teaching approach of BYPC?
The mission of the Bedford Youth Performing Company is to grow the gifts unique in each child through the performing arts. We accomplish this mission by offering a comprehensive performing arts experience for students of all ages in theatre, dance, and music, utilizing established developmental principles designed to promote individual expression and style while constructing a foundation of solid knowledge and proven technique, affirming that each person is filled with potential born of unique gifts responsive to an environment rich with nourishment — acceptance, encouragement, love, commitment, and challenge, maintaining a staff of dynamic professionals whose passion for their art is surpassed only by their zeal to teach, generating a charged, nurturing environment ripe for individualized learning, promoting the well-being and education of our region without discrimination while fostering a spirit of community and giving through mentoring, entertaining, and outreach within our organization as well as within our neighborhoods.
What types of classes do you offer specifically for toddlers and preschool-aged children, and what are the key benefits of enrolling them in these classes?
We have several incredible programs to offer to toddler and preschool age children! The first program is Kindermusik International. We have two licensed Kindermusik educators who share our class load. From language to math development, from social to emotional development, and from gross motor skills to coordination you will marvel as your child sings, drums, and dances patterns and rhythms crafted to nurture her learning potential through this program specifically designed for your toddler and you.
Secondly, BYPC is an official Leap ‘N Learn licensed dance studio, which means we bring the best possible movement education to all of our students in a welcoming, encouraging environment. Leap ‘N Learn focuses on pre-ballet and ballet, yet students in this internationally renowned program learn so much more than just how to dance. Developed by master teacher Beverly F. Spell and child psychologist Dr. Annie Spell, Leap ‘N Learn follows the natural progression of movement that is safest for young dancers and utilizes proven theories of child development. In age-appropriate class levels, Leap ‘N Learn also helps students develop motor, cognitive, and social skills by capitalizing on naturally occurring cognitive, neural, and physical development. This all works to create a solid dance program that prepares students for all types of later life roles!
Lastly, Performance classes top off a well-balanced performing arts education when taken in addition to our movement and music lessons. With multiple class levels for ages 4 and up, students in these performance classes learn not only how to be a part of and act in musical theatre productions, but how to combine their many talents, produce stellar group dynamics, and practice performing techniques. In the youngest level of performance classes, listening, observation, memory, focus, concentration, and imagination skills are introduced, and those skills are built further in the intermediate level and refined in the higher levels. Regardless of past experiences and skill levels, participation in this type of specialized performance training in a fun-filled and nurturing environment.
What is your most popular program/class?
Our most popular program would have to be our Performance classes! They are unique to us and are always an absolute blast.
How do you ensure that the dance classes at BYPC are age-appropriate, engaging, and enjoyable for toddlers and preschool-aged children?
We follow curricula in each of our programs that are age specific and appropriate. However, our staff also keep an eye on development of each child, both technical and social emotional, and will make adjustments to their class placements as needed. We are blessed with a staff who care very deeply and dearly for each of our students and are always striving to give them the best individual and group experience they can get.
Can you provide examples of success stories or notable achievements of students who have progressed through the programs at BYPC?
BYPC students have gone on to do incredible things in their adult lives! From performing on Broadway, in the Radio City Rockettes, working on cruise ships, starting successful bands and so much more. However, we do not define our success stories based on this arts industry. We define our success when looking at our graduates who have all continued to grow as kind and capable individuals who are incredible blessings to their communities and carry light and love with them wherever they go. Our alumni often stop in for visits, send their own children to our programs and even come back to work for us as professional educators!
Finish this sentence: BYPC is right for families who…
…care deeply about growing the gifts unique in their child and understand that these gifts may not present themselves as the perfect pirouette on stage or a flawless piece on the piano. At BYPC, we care more about building a loving and nurturing community that is focused on service, dedication and kindness. To us, the most beautiful thing we can see on stage is a child who is self-assured, supported and loved.
How can people learn more about and connect with BYPC?
You can learn more about BYPC by visiting our website at bypc.org or following us on Facebook or Instagram @bypcnh.
