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Meet Heather Schlichting of Artz on the Move in Cave Creek

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Schlichting.

Heather, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
A dancer since childhood, I understand how dance can connect people. My dance training was influential in shaping my persona; it taught me to listen first, respect others, and just keep on dancing no matter the situation. For this reason, instilling a love for the arts in children has become my mission.

A resident of Cave Creek, Ariz., I started Artz on the Move in 2011. The program is a 10-week residency, which includes two one-hour sessions a week. The program can be conducted during school hours or as an after-school program. Students learn merengue, swing, tango, rhumba, waltz, and for fun a bit of hip-hop. They keep a diary of the culture, food, and customs of each dance’s place of origin. Dancers switch partners after every dance, so they get to know all their peers and learn to relate to others that might be different from themselves. I believe the classes reinforce the importance of diversity and decrease bullying. School officials, teachers, and parents have shared with us how the program has boosted the student’s confidence, reduced discipline issues, and have improved their academic scores. They actually work together as a team and want to learn more.

Since its start, Artz on the Move has served more than 200 students in public, charter and parochial schools. Southwest Elementary has participated in the program for three consecutive years and has been so impressed with the impact the program has made on their children, they have made it a mandatory class for every fifth-grade student. Each student keeps a journal of their experience and presents it as a final project. The teachers have found when the students learn to use their new artistic skills as coping methods, they are inspired to make positive changes.

I think the defining moment for anyone new to our program is when they witness our annual culmination event. This event showcases each school and the children perform all the dances that they have learned during the 10-week program. It’s thrilling to watch the parents beam with pride for their children. In a small way, we feel Artz on the Move is making a difference in the lives of not only the children, but their principals, teachers, parents, and the family who support them.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest difficulties the program faces are financial. We have some great sponsors but are always looking for more. Also, I would love to have more volunteers to help in a variety of ways. As we grow, we would also like to incorporate more programs that focus on visual arts and music. To do this, we are seeking professional artists interested in joining our team.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Artz on the Move story. Tell us more about the business.
Our program focuses on the principles of social-emotional learning (SEL), the process through which individuals understand and regulate emotions, set and attain positive goals, feel empathy for others, create and maintain positive relationships, and make accountable decisions. Artz on the Move targets a variety of skills for elementary-aged children that may include emotional management, skills to support successful peer interactions, and learning skills including how to listen, focus, follow directions and ask for help. Several studies have examined the impact of different SEL curricula and indicated such programs are associated with not only significant improvements in students’ social-emotional skills but also improvements in their academics. This commitment to incorporating SEL into our curriculum is the main differentiator that sets us apart from other arts education organizations.

It is important to note that the students who participate in the Artz on the Move program come from different homes with many different environments, ranging from organized and protective to somewhat chaotic or disengaged. The program is led by a Teaching Artist who provides consistent, positive, and supportive arts instruction designed to motivate and engage students and provide them with the essential skills to lead a successful life. The program also stresses social awareness by teaching the children about the country of origin of each dance to better understand the culture, beliefs, and the people of that country. This broadens their perspective on the world, helping them to become good citizens and contribute to the well-being of others. Artz on the Move cultivates an atmosphere that encourages children to have respect for their peers, teachers and parents.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe to be successful is to make your own luck by working hard and being focused on your goals. It never fails, anytime I think I just can’t go on and continue to manage this nonprofit, I receive a donation, an encouraging message from a supporter, or any small step forward that will help us bring this program to more children. I’m grateful for any small milestone. I consider that a mark of success.

Pricing:

  • The 10 week, 20 session program is $1800. This includes a culmination event at your location and inclusion in the annual competition.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
All the photos were taken by Heather Wright Schlichting

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