Overview

The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Youth Arts Program is a dynamic curriculum of classes, performance, and exhibition opportunities emphasizing arts as a way of life for a lifetime. Students in the Youth Arts Program (YAP) develop a unique artistic voice as they explore and create dance and art in community with their peers.

Program Dates

Winter/Spring Semester: January 6 — June12, 2025

Final Showcase: Saturday, June 14, 2025

No classes on: January 20, February 17, April 14-17, and May 26, 2025

Class Pricing

Pricing is per semester and is prorated for holidays.

Mondays: $800

Tuesdays: $880

Wednesdays: $880

Thursdays: $880

CHAW never turns a child away for inability to pay. Sliding scale registration and payment plans are available for all registrants. Please contact Brian Washington at brian@chaw.org for more information. Request forms may be picked up at the front desk or online.

Studios

Each studio teaching artist tailors lessons and projects to student age and skill level. Returning students build on previous concepts and knowledge. All classes teach and reinforce arts fundamentals while nurturing personal artistic growth through foundational skills building, creative exploration, critique demonstration and performance history, independent projects and community building

Village Time

When a student enters CHAW for the after school arts program, they are welcomed into a community of artful thinking, creativity, and collaboration.  When not in class, students are invited to participate in village activities ranging from games to homework help to drop-in art projects. Village time offers an opportunity for students to engage with peers who are not in their classes at school, allowing for new connections, friendships, and perspectives to be formed in a safe and nurturing environment where every voice matters and every child is celebrated for his or her unique creative contributions.

COVID Safety

If you haven’t been in our building in the past year you’ll notice some updates when you walk in the door. Hand sanitizers are located in each room and entrance. Social distancing is observed where possible. Frequent hand washing is encouraged. Masks are optional in the building at this time and cleaning and disinfecting are done on a regular basis. Learn more about our COVID-19 resources here. 

Van Service

CHAW van service is operating to various local schools in and around Capitol Hill. Sign up is available on the following page. $150 for each sign up day for the semester. For example: Monday and Tuesdays for Fall semester will total $300. 

Teaching Artist – Elise Richardson

01/24/2025 – 04/11/2025

Fridays, 4:30-6:00pm

Tuition – $340.00

Dive into the world of three-dimensional art in this hands-on class designed for young artists aged 11-16. Students will explore creating art using a variety of materials, including everyday objects like kitchen utensils, cardboard, and fabric, as well as unconventional finds such as recycled electronics, books, and even game board pieces. Through techniques like sculpting, assembling, and altering these materials, students will bring their artistic visions to life. This class challenges students to think outside the box and develop skills in creating dynamic, textured artworks. All materials are included.

No class Friday February 14

Teaching Artist – Louisa Mejeur

01/06/2025 – 03/10/2025

Mondays, 4:00-4:50pm

Tuition – $190.00

Pre-K Ballet: An introduction to expressive movement and a ballet dance vocabulary for CHAW’s youngest dancers. Students will be exposed to music, dance games, and imaginative play in addition to foundational ballet steps and positions.

Please ensure dancers have ballet shoes, hair pulled up, and are wearing leotards (WITHOUT tights) for girls or a tight shirt and bike shorts for boys.

In order to aid students focus, we ask that all parents wait outside of the classroom. If your child will need help using the bathroom please remain at CHAW during their class time. Please also remain if your student may experience separation anxiety (which usually subsides within a month).

No class on January 20 or February 17.

Teaching Artist – Louisa Mejeur

09/23/2024 – 12/16/2024

Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm

Tuition – $190.00

This class furthers children’s expressive movement skills and deepens their ballet vocabulary and capabilities. Class will be tailored to the level of enrolled children but will include dance coordination and musicality skills, imaginative expression, and foundational ballet steps and vocabulary.

Please ensure dancers have ballet shoes, hair pulled up, and are wearing leotards (skirt and tights optional) for girls or a tight shirt and bike shorts for boys.

No class January 20 or February 17.

Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair

01/07/2025 – 02/25/2025

Tuesdays, 6:15-7:05pm

Tuition – $190.00

This class provides a creative and expressive environment for students to learn and practice the fundamentals of hip hop dance. Each week, students will learn and practice hip hop movement vocabulary. The movement will culminate in a variety of combinations, changing throughout the class session. This class will help students develop confidence, coordination, self-esteem, body awareness, and individuality. All experience levels and bodies are welcome as modifications and adjustments will be offered as necessary.

Teaching Artist – Brynn Bodair

01/08/2025 – 02/26/2025

Wednesdays, 6:45-7:35pm

Tuition – $190.00

This class provides a creative and expressive environment for students to explore movement improvisation, create choreography, and enhance proprioception as well as movement quality. Each class, the students will explore organic movement through a series of prompts inspired by poetry, music, and images. The movement will culminate in independent choreography creation inspired by the organic movement explorations.

All experience levels and bodies are welcome as modifications and adjustments will be offered, as necessary.

Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing intended for movement.

Teaching Artist – Elza Hofeld

11/12/2024 – 12/17/2024

Tuesdays, 6:05-7:35pm

Tuition – $180.00

Students will choose and learn monologues to perform, learn how to do scene work and cold reads, and get coached on audition practices and etiquette.

No class on Tuesday November 26

Teaching Artist – Irene Chow

01/04/2025 – 03/08/2025

Saturdays 9:00-10:00am

Tuition – $270.00

Five class voucher for $170.00

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was an internationally renowned music educator who believed in the unlimited potential of children. Using the principles of Suzuki music education, this class is a nurturing, delightful introduction to music for children ages 0-3, accompanied by a caregiver. Led by a certified Suzuki Early Childhood Education teacher, children and their caregivers will interact with each other and with music through rhythm, melody, movement, and musical instruments. “Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.” – Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

No class on February 15

NOTE: Suzuki Baby Music is offering FIVE classes for $170.00. Choose the five dates that work best for you!

If you would like to take a sample class, please contact Irene@CHAW.org to schedule one free class for your child and you/their caregiver