The From the Heart Performing Arts Center is now accepting applications for their June 2017 summer camp for kids.
From the Heart Performing Arts Center was started in 2008 by MeLeah Robinson, who is now founder and director of the organization.
Robinson, who previously worked in television and film, worked as a t.v. and field producer for over 15 years. She has worked on such shows as Bridezilla, B.E.T. Awards, King of the Nerds, Face Off, Divorce Court, and more.
In 2008, Robinson decided it was time for a change. "I felt that there was a need to bring the performing arts back into our schools and communities," said Robinson. "So I left the entertainment world and brought it to Moreno Valley."
The summer camp program began in the summer of 2016 at Northridge Elementary, in Moreno Valley. The program was such a success that Superintendent Dr. White allowed the program to continue as an after school program during the school year.
Since then, From the Heart Performing Arts Center has developed into an enrichment program. Chaparral Elementary and Badger Springs Middle School are the two schools that currently house the program.
This summer, the center will be branching out and running the program as an independent organization that is open to all in the community.
Students who attend the program will take dance classes that range from West African dance to Tango, as well as music classes, theater classes and visual arts classes. Some students even have the opportunity to create the props and help edit the script.
"The program is very hands on," said Robinson.
The From the Heart Performing Arts program also adheres to the California Standards for the Arts, and all of the things learned are tailor-made to coincide with those standards.
"Our mission is to create and operate a high quality performing arts program that serves under-served communities," said Robinson. "We believe that having performing arts in our schools will have a positive social change with our youth."
In the future, From the Heart Performing Arts will be adding math tutoring to the program. Their next production will be the Latino Heritage show, which will take place on 6:00 p.m., on May 26, at Chaparral Elementary School.
To sign up for the From the Heart Performing Arts program or for more information, visit www.FromtheHeartPerformingArts.com.