Authentic Casting is the Best Casting

10.12.2017 The Indiana Repertory Company has made history by casting an actor who has Autism in the lead role of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a play based on the mystery novel in which the main character is a 15-year-old boy on the Autism Spectrum. The show has opened and they… Read More »

Got the Afterschool Blues?

Looking for something meaningful, beneficial, and affordable for your child with special needs to do after school? Look no further! TAPA offers high-quality afterschool programming on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week, 4pm-6pm. Classes include choices of art, dance/drumming, music, yoga and Zumba. All students are welcome, regardless of age and ability. We also warmly welcome… Read More »

DO WHAT YOU LIKE… LIKE WHAT YOU DO

By: Susan Russo Active children are happy children. At least, as a mom of four, that is my belief. As parents we all recognize that (as a rule) busy children are less likely to become bored, and thus exhibit negative or inappropriate behavior. I believe that this holds true for typically developing children as well… Read More »

CAN’T WALK? WHY NOT GO DANCING!

CAN’T WALK? WHY NOT GO DANCING! By: Susan Russo I have always been intrigued by the grace and agility of ballroom dancers. In fact, the movie “Mad Hot Ballroom” is one of my favorite films. If you’ve never seen it, please do so… it is about an amazing ballroom dance program introduced to fifth graders… Read More »

Flashback: The Holidays

Thanksgiving weekend, The Theresa Foundation was once again a participant in United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County’s Festival of the Trees. This year’s theme, “With a Song in Our Heart”, displayed handmade ornaments made by TAPA students that showed off our love for music and the holiday season!  Elizabeth Connolly, TAPA’s art teacher, helped students… Read More »

Yoga Greetings

I’ve happily been with TAPA for just under four months now wearing a few different hats: as administrative assistant and yoga and dance teacher. I wanted to take a moment to share with you my delight in coming on board in general, and also specifically working with the yoga students on Tuesday evenings.   It is… Read More »

Voicing Support for Arts in Education

In 1994 the Educate America Act created arts standards for Pre-K through 12th grade to assist students in becoming creative thinkers, makers and responders to the world around them. A great deal has changed since that time, especially in regards to education technology and information sharing, and in 2011 the National Coalition for Core Arts… Read More »

Have a Heart

By: Lindsay Rogan   When Emily Gordon’s husband was deployed to Afghanistan, she decided to send holiday cards of love, support, and encouragement to her husband and others serving overseas.  With the help of some great friends from across the country, Emily’s call for letters to servicemen and women were answered with 10,000 + cards!… Read More »

TOO much fun!

By Susan S. Russo In 2012 The Theresa Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA) received a community service grant from the Theresa Foundation. The purpose of the Community Dance Residency was to provide the opportunity for public school students who might not have the chance to participate in dance classes to experience dance, in an inclusive… Read More »

Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter

Shared with permission from   Richard Powers For centuries, dance manuals and other writings have lauded the health benefits of dancing, usually as physical exercise.  More recently we’ve seen research on further health benefits of dancing, such as stress reduction and increased serotonin level, with its sense of well-being. Most recently we’ve heard of another benefit: … Read More »