I learned more about myself while attending Oklahoma Performing Arts than any other organization I was ever involved with as a kid. I developed self-confidence, leadership, a very strong work ethic, courage, strong skill in the fine arts, social skills, and most of all best friends. I learned more skills than just the several disciplines of dance. Miss. Laura was the best mentor, friend, and instructor I could have had during my childhood and part of the roughest times in my grade school life. I credit Miss. Laura and the Oklahoma Performing Arts studio for many of the accomplishments I have achieved since I have left the studio. Everything I learned from Oklahoma Performing Arts has helped me in so many more areas than the performing arts, and dance; the life skills I learned have helped me in college, academics, the work field, student organizations, and athletic teams at college.

As a student of Miss Laura Tyson, I learned so much more than dance and performance skills. I learned about how to persevere, how to embrace self-confidence, and how to express myself through movement. Miss Laura is more than a dance teacher. She is a life-long friend, mentor, and advisor. Now, my daughter takes from Miss Laura, and I have the blessed opportunity to watch life come full circle.

My son has been involved with the orchestra for almost 3 years and we owe the refinement and advancement of his talent to his instructor, Tia Juby and to the program director, Laura Tyson. This is a wonderful program to introduce our children to the arts and to give them the opportunity to achieve at a level their desire and talent carries them to. Laura, Tia and Joycelyn have the heart, skill and talent to teach the arts as they should be taught to our students and only need the resources to continue and to lift the program to new and higher levels. The preformances seem to achieve a greater high, though you would not think it is possible as so many of the youth have that star quality that you expect to see them next in the Tulsa Ballet or Tulsa Symphony. It is through this teams dedication to excellence in this program and their desire to propell the arts for future generations that have made it a shining example for the community.

I have no children involved in OPA. I became acquainted with OPA when they came to me for non-profit insurance. After seeing Laura's enthusiam for what she does I started questioning her and attending performances. I WAS AMAZED!!! These children, little ones, were focused, diligent, and mastered their performance with so much grace...WOW...not only that, the teamwork was outstanding...no fussing. Everyone, just did what they were to do. I began to want to get involved even though I have no children and was ecstatic when I was invited to be on the executive board. This is a great organization but THEY NEED A BUILDING TO CALL THEIR OWN. The church has been gracious to offer a temporary location but OPA has outgrown and needs additonal space to expand. All contributions would be appreciated and any helpful information as well. Come to a performance and be enlightened.

I am a volunteer for this organization as well as a parent of one of the dancers. As a parent of one of the dancers I can tell you that what she is receiving is so much more than dance, voice and acting lessons. My 11yr child is incredibly disciplined in all areas of her life. She is a straight A student and we attribute her hard work to lessons she has learned from what she has learned at OPA. We love being part of the OPA family.

I am now a senior in College and have an outstanding GPA, job offers, and am two months away from a bachelors degree. None of this would have been possible without Oklahoma Performing Arts. It is more than a studio it is a family. I have had so much support even when I graduated from the school. I am always in contact with the director who is constantly helping me figure out problems academically, artistically, and emotionally. While I was there I learned responsibility, maturity, and how to work as a team. There is no other place in Oklahoma where you can find all of that plus highly rated arts education. Any time I come back to Oklahome me and the other alumni always make sure we can take at least one class. They deserve as much support as anyone can give. The director is trying to make a difference in Oklahoma and with support I know she can do it.

My child is a student at Oklahoma Performing Arts, we have been with OPA for 9 plus years and counting. Miss Laura and her staff of teachers have greatly contributed to the development of my child as an individual and as a student in the performing arts. OPA is a wonderful program that contributes to the community as well as to the students and families. I enjoy being involved in my children's activities and OPA's C.A.S.T. program (Children of Arts Support Team) makes this possible for me as a parent. I couln't ask for a better place or program for my child to be involved in.

Oklahoma Performing Arts is so much more than a dance school. I am very thankful to God that he has sent OPA our way. I wanted my daughter to start dance lessons, but didn't know where the right place would be. I was referred to OPA by another parent whose daughter attends and I am so glad that we have the opportunity to give back to the community while gaining training in the classic arts. My daughter is being trained in voice, acting, tap, ballet and jazz and is becoming a well rounded individual as well as performer. The discipline they learn from OPA goes far beyond the stage.

We moved to the area this past year and were referred to OPA as our daughter is serious about dance. We had never done voice or acting . . . It quickly became evident that the program was very advanced and well suited for our family. It impresses me how quickly the children progress. My daughter was behind others her age, but was given the attention and instruction to catch up and thrive! It is a true testament to the fact that if you expect something out of a child, they WILL rise to meet the goals! Also, the family atmosphere made our move and integration into a new community much easier. We love it so much that our son recently started in the program.

OPA is a wonderful organization. The goal to not only enrich the lifes of its students but also the community are ones that every single person in the organization takes to heart. Laura as the artistic director not only serves as a teacher, mentor, director, but as a friend and support system not only in the art that is created but as a guiding light to develop others to become better people.