DANCE EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

“The highest education is that which does not merely give is information but makes our life in harmony with all existence”

- Rabindranath Tagore

EDUCATE, ELEVATE AND ENTERTAIN.

We offer a unique way for children to learn about the global and historical significance of dances from India and the Indian diaspora in a way that is fun and relatable. Students not only learn dance technique and work on choreography but also develop a deeper understanding of how dance and specifically Indian dance is used as a means of expression and communication.

OVERVIEW 

An interdisciplinary approach to arts. Engaging in stories of ancient Indian mythology and appreciation of nature through the world of Indian dance and music. Indian performing arts are multidisciplinary in nature. Literature, maths, geometry, movement and cultural immersion are just some examples of how students can enhance body and spatial awareness while learning about culture and stories that may seem different but are inherently global. We provide south asian dance education through movement and storytelling and with programs that celebrate diversity and foster cultural inclusion and creativity for students of all ages and backgrounds. 

SCHOOL PROGRAMS OFFERED

  • Our highly popular ‘Festivals of India’ assembly is a great way to introduce a larger group of students to Indian dance and history

  • Movement based residencies giving students an in-depth experience to explore Indian dance forms.

  • Classroom workshops allowing students to experience the cultural immersion into Indian dance forms

  • Getting parents and the community involved with an interactive cultural and dance session

  • Storytelling with Movement where books are read by the Author and students learn dance movements from dancer Teacher/Artist.

We offer dance programs to students in public, charter, and private schools, and community-based organizations.We offer dance programs to students in public, charter, and private schools, (Pre-K to Grade 12) and community-based organizations.

We work with each school to cater our program to their specific academic goals and learning outcomes

Assemblies

Our assembly program is designed to give students an overview of Indian dance, culture, and history and is a great way to celebrate Holi or Diwali. Your students will experience a professional dance performance program. In addition to which our teachers will engage your students and get them on their feet, they will also pose questions and interact with them to stimulate the imagination.

We start most assemblies by explaining how simple everyday things can inspire choreography by using examples that children recognize or interact with regularly such as shapes, numbers, patterns, group and family dynamics, as well as creatures and critters found in nature. We then talk about the history and culture of India and the role dance has taken over the many centuries which normally lead us into the festivals celebrated in India today.

We can also tailor the assembly for specific needs. Such as thematic presentations, for example “Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha (Calling of Truth)” or “ A look at sculptures through dance” or a specific event such as the Asian American Heritage month. These sessions promote cultural understanding, empathy and inclusion.

Residencies

We will bring physical education teachers and classroom teachers together with professional dance educators to create a new model for dance arts education. We offer long-term residency programs that will get students dancing.

We will provide professional dance teachers to lead dance classes and mentor physical education teachers. We can also assist physical education teachers on how to integrate dance movement into their classes.

We will work with your school or organization to develop a curriculum for dance and physical education teachers that meets or exceeds the Arts NJCCCS that can be integrated into the academic curriculum.

Our aim with these residency programs is to not only develop social skills and boost creativity but to also enhance memory, pattern recognition, body-mind coordination, confidence and performance skills. We truly believe that these skills and values passed to these young students would benefit any career path they choose in their future.  The no-pressure and supportive class taught by our teachers will help students grow to express themselves while focusing on fitness and cultural exchange. No previous dance experience is required.

Student Workshops

Our workshop takes an interdisciplinary approach to appreciating diversity around us by enjoying and learning about India’s unique dance forms, music, holiday traditions, foods, crafts and literature.

Workshops are offered to individual classes, grades, or small groups of students or faculty. We can come in for a single period or more and share an interactive session of Indian dance. These programs allow for a more detailed interaction between the teaching artists and students and can vary in focus, depending on the goals and objectives of the group.

Popular themes that have been conducted include occasions when classes are studying about India or Asia. During the festival months of Diwali (fall) and Holi (spring) and in May for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

These workshops support wellness, health, social studies and language curricula while developing social skills and boosting their creativity.

Parent Engagement Workshop

Another popular workshop that our team enjoys is getting parents and the community involved in our work and of course getting everyone up and dancing!

We offer a 45-60 minute parent and community workshop with an overview of our Indian dance programming for students and an interactive dance lesson including a short choreography that is guaranteed fun.

These sessions give everyone a chance to experience Indian culture with stories, crafts, food and dance opportunities outside of the usual classroom setting. Included on these session are story reading and book signing by the author, themed crafts, henna art and themed photo booths

Books and Dance

We offer a unique way for children to learn about the global and historical significance of dances from India and the Indian diaspora in a way that is fun and relatable. Our unique session with our children's book author will start with some warmup, specifically sun salutations to awaken the mind and body. Followed by story time and book signing by the author.

They will then learn dance technique and work on choreography to develop a deeper understanding of how dance and specifically Indian dance is used as a means of expression and communication.

Basic composition/choreographic skills are introduced and explored in a more in-depth manner. Students are thus encouraged to find their own inspiration and create dances and dance ideas that could be later further explored in the classroom.