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Youth Creative Expression

I offer 1-1 and small group sessions with youth to unlock and develop their creative powers through imaginative, dynamic and expressive play. Whether it’s improv acting, visual art, creative writing, interpretive dance, or music making, each child’s interests shape the space of exploration, so that every session is a unique co-creation based on whatever we find most fun and engaging.

Examples of activities we might explore:
  • Giving each other prompts to write a song in 15 minutes, and perform for each other

  • Inventing a language and having a conversation

  • Building a new universe with characters, setting, history, and cultural norms 

  • Writing a musical and acting it out 

  • Speed drawing as many things we love as possible

  • Turning into an imaginary character and interviewing each other about our lives, hobbies and dreams

Philosophy of my approach

I believe that we are all born with infinite creative power. I remember being five years old and entertaining myself with made-up songs and dances and stories for hours on end, and how free and joyful it felt. But as I moved through the traditional school system, I felt my creativity and joy slowly disappear. Being forced to memorize arbitrary facts and figures; being taught that there was a “right” and “wrong” answer; being scored against my peers - all of this shrank my imagination and made me unwilling to take risks or create for creativity’s sake. 

 

After high school, I’d spend the next many, many years healing my inner child by re-learning how to think for myself and re-discovering the creative passions of my youth. Along the way, I realized how I could work with children in a way that bridged the gap between work and play, while expanding both of our creative skillsets: by approaching our relationships as a collaboration, rather than a strict “teacher-student” model, in which we let our passions guide our exploration and mutual learning. 


Instead of me deciding “what they need to learn”, I empower youth to decide what they want to learn and explore. I support them through technical challenge and creative risk-taking, and together we learn how to create more and more effectively and joyfully, in partnership. And, in this intense time of hyper-consumerism, we are learning how to be active co-creators of the world around us.

TESTIMONIALS

JENNIFER TOOLEY, PARENT

Our kiddo has always loved a fun/silly/hilarious challenge. And, (1) accepting the invitation and (2) dropping into such a challenge requires a particular container to be held and for it to be well held. Our kid will not say, “yes” to just any challenge/game. 

 

Akemi has managed to hold a true co-creation space for our kid week-after-week for over two years, all while inviting a deeper reflection of self and the world. The balance Akemi strikes between structure and choice is something I see few tutors do with such grace and respect. 

 

Akemi has helped our tween sustain and deepen the “child-as-artist” exuberance well past a time when I expected perfectionism and consumption (vs creation) to dominate. What joy to witness our kid’s creative confidence and playfulness continue to bloom. 

SARAH BUNNELL, PARENT

Akemi has been a wonderful, creative, and powerful conduit for our daughter’s self-expression, empowering her to live an absolute, in-the-moment creative life. Akemi’s innovative approach doesn’t just lead the child, but joins with her, as a companion, flowing through an intuitive path. 

 

Melding improv, art, dance, and music, Akemi and my daughter created whole worlds, and challenged each other to “level up” by encouraging new skills and talents. 

 

Akemi is always super emotionally present, gentle, and non judgmental. She has the capacity to tune in to each child’s individual energy and moods, and is able to draw out creative threads with her unique abilities.

Attendance Policy
  • Students must cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

  • No shows/late cancellations will be charged in full for the missed lesson with the exception of extreme illness or emergency.

Charter Schools
  • I am a charter school vendor - please contact me to discuss this option!  

  • All sessions are non-sectarian 

Inquire about
1-1 sessions here!

Session Rates

I offer Zoom sessions at a rate of $85/hour. If, however, this rate is outside of your current financial capacity, please contact me for sliding-scale options.

Contact

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Tel: 714-397-6167

akemi.artivist@gmail.com

Feel free to email or call me with any questions. I'm also happy to offer a free 20 minute trial session to explore if your student and I are the right fit. 

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