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Dance charter school
finds its rhythm
Gabriella Charter School says it might be the only
dance−themed public elementary school in the nation. We
don't know if that's true, but it sounds like fun. Students
get one hour of dance instruction daily −− ballet, jazz, tap,
creative movement and world dance.
But dance is not just dance at Gabriella:
Twice a week, in "reading In motion" classes,
kindergartners
and first−graders twist their bodies into letters while singing
corresponding sounds.
In a school where most of the students are English learners,
vocabulary is introduced regularly and systematically −−
parts of the body, directions, places in the room. And
students improve graphing skills by plotting points to
choreograph a dance.
Last night, the school held its recital −−
the photos above
−− and on June 19, the school will celebrate its first
culminating fifth−grade class. Twent−five students will
participate.
“Some educators view arts education as a luxury.
But arts
education is a vital component of any child’s education,"
says Liza Bercovici, the executive director of the foundation
that runs the charter school. "For whatever the reason,
schools with strong arts programs also appear to be schools
with strong academic programs −− the arts make you a
better student, as we are showing daily at Gabriella.”
-- Mary MacVean
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Photos by Caryl Lightfoot
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