|
|
Heartland Performing Arts Academy |
In the News
Kptm Featured HPAA and the work of Diana and
Stewart on their September 6th newscast in a segment called
Heartland Proud
Thank you to Omaha's Fox affiliate KPTM!
http://www.kptm.com/news/heartland/3855762.html
To see the news story, go HERE (MP4 version)
If you have trouble try this MPEG version
Or Here for a Quicktime version
Or for a high quality version hpaakptm.m4v (HUGE 16 meg file)
An Opportunity For Everyone
Taylor Wilson - KPTM FOX 42 News
For a lot of little girls, taking dance or gymnastics classes is the ultimate in fun. But when it comes to actually getting to perform on stage, there aren't a lot of opportunities, especially for parents who don't have a lot of extra money to spend.
One Omaha woman is trying to change that. That's how she is making the Heartland Proud.
Tumbling is one of many activities Diana Newman offers at the Heartland Performing Arts Academy. Gymnastics, however, is only a small part of what she offers.
"We thought we've got all this talent in the young kids. We want to give them a chance to shine," she says.
The options are nearly limitless. Diana puts on plays, musicals, gives vocal and instrumental lessons, and her husband even teaches martial arts.
"We can bring them in, put them on stage, teach them some basics and just let them enjoy the spotlight," she says.
Thats' exactly what Diana wants her kids to do; enjoy performing.
She says that kids who can't be a part of what few productions there are around the metro are always welcome.
"Everyone wants the applause," Diana says. "When you have a chance for your kid to be front and center, it's an awesome feeling."
The Academy is non-profit, meaning that grants and donations are available to fund productions and help kids who otherwise could not take part.
"To look at your children and say we can afford for one of you to go but we can't afford for all three or four of you to go, it just didn't seem right to me," Diana says.
Amy Carnell has two daughters at the Academy. She says that Diana gave them an opportunity that they could not get anywhere else.
"After the production is over and you see all of those kids, that's it," Amy says.
"She gives kids from around the metro, doesn't matter what studio you belong to, you can come and audition and get a part in one of her productions," Amy says.
Amy says the self-esteem level of both her girls has skyrocketed, and with the opportunities Diana has given them, there's no chance they will go anywhere else.
"Everybody in this studio just adore(s) her," Amy says. "They get to be the stars and that's what they want. They get to be on stage."
Diana says she started the Academy to give the girls a chance to perform, to be on stage. She says that in the end, that's who it's all about.
"When you get the kids on stage and watch how much fun they're having, it's so worth it," she says.
If you would like to learn more about the Heartland Performing Arts Academy, log on to their website at www.heartlandperformingartsacademy.org
If you know of anyone else making the Heartland Proud, email Taylor Wilson at twilson@kptm.com, or call the newsroom at 554-4282.
Story Created: Sep 6, 2006 at 8:25 PM CST
