PROGRAMS

Creative Writing

Creative writing is a huge umbrella for us! What can our clients expect in a Heard creative writing class? It depends on two factors – what our clients want, and what our writing teacher does well.

All creative writing is the same, write (get it)? You put pen to paper and see what flows from brain to hand. Nope! To get that imagination going we all need a prompt, or a suggestion to guide us in the right direction. It can be anything from looking at a postcard for inspiration to “write down what’s on your mind for the next 60 seconds” to describing your favorite memory.

And there’s more. We at Heard define “creative writing” very broadly. In fact, we consider all of our writing classes to be creative, whether it’s our poetry series or our “Think Like a Journalist” class or writing your life story.

Click here to take a look at how creative our clients are!

Visual Arts

Talk about diverse … any medium, any implement, any platform is fair game. You will be in awe of what our clients create through the expert and gentle guidance of our art teachers. They are sort of magic themselves as they help our clients create beauty from the inside of business envelopes (seriously, they have done that), scrap paper, stickers, and of course the standards of paper, markers, scissors, paint, and glue.

Our art empowers. Embedded in every project is the chance for our clients to show off and celebrate a little part of themselves. How cool is it to complete an original piece of art and see that you are calling yourself out for your kindness? Your knack for being a good friend? We should all do a Heard art project, right?

Want more? Prepare to be amazed! Visit the visual arts gallery.

Improvisation

Our executive director took an improv class a few years back and life was never the same again. Although saying, “Yes, and” instead of “I’m right” doesn’t always come easily, she knew she was hooked!

Improv offers a host of life skills that benefit our clients – and anyone, really. From responding to statements with “yes, and” rather than “no” to making bold statements to treating your discussion friend as a partner instead of an adversary, improv is bursting with skills to let you lead your best life.

Etiquette

It’s more than good manners. It’s about treating everyone with respect. The way you dress for a particular occasion, the way you stand and look at someone, the way you sit – each of these elements is important. It tells an employer if you might be the right person for the job. It helps protect your clothing during a meal. It shows others that you respect them.

Heard’s etiquette class offers practical tips for job interviews, the workplace, social settings and meals. Our series ends with a meal at a local restaurant, where our clients learn, celebrate, and enjoy a delicious meal together.

See for yourself!

Public Speaking

We love this program! We offer it to a very special group – the inmates of the Alexandria Detention Center and Arlington County Detention Facility who participate in our annual writing contest. In just 90 minutes our Broadway-veteran actor teaches our clients how to read their original works with emphasis, meaning, and power. The result? See for yourself.

Singing

Sing like no one can hear you! Sing like you sing in the shower! Sing as loudly and as badly as you want! Who could possibly resist a class like this? Our professional singing teacher knows that this class is about letting your voice be heard – not worrying about silly things like staying on key. That said, be ready to learn proper breathing techniques, posture, and other tips used by the pros.

As always, don’t worry if you “can’t” sing or if you got kicked out of eighth-grade choir or if you were told to just mouth the words. This is your time to make a joyful noise!

Dance

Yes, dance like nobody’s watching! It’s all about feeling the joy of your body in motion, whether you dance like JLo, Elaine from Seinfeld, or somewhere in between. Our professional dance instructor will lead you through 60 minutes of joy and connection – with yourself! – and you get a workout to boot.

There’s absolutely no pressure to perform – just show up ready to express. You may learn free form, jazz, swing, the waltz – who knows? And best of all – no mirrors! See how this program works!

P.S. If we don’t have a dance instructor currently on our roster, we will gladly refer you to our friends at Local Motion. They have an amazing dance program!