OMA at Blenman
Our 3rd grade honors dance, performed at the OMA Showcase on May 3, 2025. (See full article and watch the performance)
OMA at Blenman
Bethanne Griffin
Arts Integration Specialist
... is a native Tucsonan and a dancer at an early age. As a former graduate of Tucson High Magnet School, she was introduced to modern dance and the art of choreography. After further dance training in New York, she began designing and implementing integrative dance curricula for local fine arts programs right here in Tucson. In 2010, she began Dance Aloud, an early childhood fine arts program; introducing children to literature through creative movement. In 2014, Bethanne and her family returned to New York where she spent 9 months working as a Teaching Dance Artist in NYC's public schools. In addition to modern dance, tap, ballroom, Latin and ballet, Bethanne is very excited to add aerial arts to her movement repertoire as she begins a new chapter this year: dancing with silks! She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has enthusiastically been working with the OMA program since 2011.
We blend music, opera, dance, theatre and visual arts into your child's classroom learning.
We can’t wait for your child to learn and participate in the arts!
Research shows that students who participate in the arts develop strong critical thinking, problem-solving and academic skills.
Every child deserves a rich and engaging education, and OMA Gold is one of the ways our teachers make that possible.
Why OMA Works?
Arts integration curriculum at each grade level is determined by brain-based research, multi-intelligence learning and the neurological development of children.
K
Students learn rhythm to develop verbal communication and literacy skills.
1st
Through learning about opera, students build a connection between writing and music.
2nd
Creative movement helps expand students’ vocabularies and develop critical thinking skills.
3rd
Through weekly recorder performance/composition classes, students make progress with skills such as listening, processing visual information and coordinating movement.
4th
Students play a stringed instrument, which further develops the left brain/right brain intellect.
5th
Everything students have learned over the last five years comes together, with students gaining a better understanding of the arts through attending professional performances and connecting with community arts partners.
We are committed to providing educational experiences which:
- foster creativity
- build community
- honor our humanity
Learn more about our programs & resources.
Fine & Performing Arts
520-225-4900
2025 E. Winsett St., Tucson, AZ 85719