me arts ed

Indicates Wellness

Some of you know that I’m working on the planning of my town’s, Union, Sestercentennial celebration – 250 years! Many hands and minds have been planning since September of 2023. Yes, planning has been underway for 17 months. The culmination of the work will take place on July 19, 20, 21, 2024.

I’m excited that the Union Elementary School is involved in several ways. One way is a dance residency with Chrissy Fowler and Belfast Flying Shoes. Students are learning traditional contra dances during physical education classes. Dance halls were located in our town so its a great way to tap into the Sestercentennial’s focus: Looking Back to Look Ahead. I’ve had the opportunity to be at school during some of the classes. Between class one and two a 5th grader sent the phys. ed. teacher a note that said how much she loved dancing and thanked her for including dancing in class. I watched this student’s face during class two. She had a smile from ear to ear and her whole self was engaged. I couldn’t help but smiling watching her.

Chrissy said how great it is working with the physical education teacher and the teacher said how she wouldn’t do this unit without the help and dance instruction that Chrissy offers. Many educators understand the value of including artists residency’s in the schedule. I suggested to the teacher that she build ‘dance’ into the curriculum and perhaps that way the cost can be built into the budget. Let’s be realistic, every teacher does not have the expertise to teach everything.

How does this idea work? I remember working on curriculum and the K-8 art teachers determined providing students an opportunity to visit the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) and the Farnsworth Art Museum were important to students learning experiences in elementary and middle school. So, we built a visit to PMA for grade 6 students and the Farnsworth for grade 8 students into the curriculum. For several years paying for a bus was built in so we didn’t have to wonder where the funding would come from.

I know that dance is not happening in many schools across the state of Maine. Where dance programs are in place are amazing. For example, the Thornton Academy dance program under the direction of Emma Campbell has experienced success for many years. If you’re wondering about the details I encourage you to reach out to Emma. I’m sure she’d be happy to answer your questions.

When this article came across my desk recently I thought, well, here’s research to support the value of experiencing dance. The article that reviews the research is published in My Modern Met and written by Madeleine Muzdakis. The article outlines the many benefits of dance: health, well being, and the social element. You can access the entire article at THIS LINK.

The Union Elementary School dance residency will culminate in a school contra dance for students and their families AND a community contra dance where all community members will be invited.