assembly

This week I have finished with an assembly at Day Break Elementary. I have been volunteer teaching there for a few months and giving these kids dance classes. I have noticed the difference of dance in the lives of these kids. The expressions on their faces and the excitement they portrayed was so intangible. I have had so much fun working with them, seeing them progress and learn with each new step. The assembly was very successful. I had no idea that I would have such an audience. There was the two grades to watch the kids, and all the kids parents came to watch. I was suprised at the support from the parents. I was grateful for their support and love for each child. It is so important as parents, friends and family memebers to show children how important they are and how important it is for them to stick to something they love to do. I believe they have inspired other children around them to do dance and to become a part of something that they may never have the chance to be apart of. The school was super supportive in the efforts of a dance class and being able to give the kids the opportunity to perform. Although as a dance teacher I wish the performance was perfect, it wasnt. But the kids did amazing on stage and they were ecsatic to be able to perform in front of an audience.

A New Start

It is a new start to a new year!!! I am so excited to tell you all about th wonderful thing I have been able to do this year. I have been crowned the New Mount Olympus- so that means I will be going back to Miss Utah in June. I am really excited that I am able to have this opportunity again, and be able to share it with all of you. I have been focusing on a new platform called "Believing and Achieving thru the Arts" It is a very strong platform to help our students and schools realize the importance of the arts and how it helps them in school. I am an arts education advocate and feel strongly that our community needs to pull together to make this happen. There is a website called ARTWORKs4KIDS in which art specialists work in the school classroom to incorporate arts and core curriculum together. This year the funding has been cut and I have been able to spread awareness about arts education thru emails, phone calls and visits. So far the legislation has not passed the bill here in Utah becasue of the funding cut backs. It has been interesting to watch how they put this organization into place in schools and how it works. When I saw first hand at William Penn Elementary what dance and the arts does for their students I knew I had to help out and make a difference. I am speaking at elementary schools and trying to raise awareness to parents about the arts so they can help our children. This will and has brought our community together and will continue to help our schools be a better place for kids.....