Five Fabulous Life Lessons Kids Learn from The Ohmies

By Griffin Miller, Theatre Editor August 16, 2011

Kiddie musical theater troupe The Ohmies expertly pack valuable life lessons and healthy tips into each performance in the form of dancing, tumbling, yoga, stretching, and colorful costumes. Check out our list of the important lessons kids can take away from an Ohmies performance after they boogie down on the yoga mat.

As inventive individuals, Ohmies creators Benjamin Tollefson (with a resume that spans PBS, Disney, and Word World plush toy designs), and Laurie Miller (whose pre-Ohmie life included a high-profile singing career and first-class credentials in both yoga and creative problem-solving), get through to their key audience using a kind of stealth teaching approach. "Kids don't realize they're developing social, emotional, and healthy tools," says Tollefson, "They're just taking part in a fun show and having a great time." The Ohmies greet Mr. Sun

1. How to use physical health as a vehicle to emotional and social competence (through example and movement): In Ohmieland activity is play and everyone gets to "fly," jump, squiggle, and boogie-down for a solid 55 minutes.

2. How to deal with fears: Whenever the Ohmies become frightened or anxious, the Worries (extremely naughty-looking thundercloud faces) appear. But before the show ends, they are sent packing because the Ohmies show how to deal with scary emotions in positive ways, like working with friends and diffusing negative energy with singing, dancing, and laughter.

3. How to pursue goals and work as a team: Journeying to Mr. Sun requires carefully following a series of directions. Visual aids and clever staging allow even the littlest of kids to understand the route and enjoy their trip.

4. How to talk about their emotions: Sylvio Snake's shyness keeps him from pursuing his dream of singing in public. Problem solved when he opens up to the other Ohmies and the audience. They not only respond with understanding and support, they help boost his courage by singing with him.

5. How to create positive relationships with siblings: Little brother Carlin and big sis Bella learn to talk out their differences rather than fight. When they disagree about how to wake up Mr. Sun (cue The Worries), Bella listens to Carlin and enthusiastically supports him.

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