Better living through dance
National Dance Institute Residency Associate Hannah Foss applauds all the Atsa Biyaazh students after leading them through their dance exercises on March. 6. (Times photo – Shondiin Silversmith)
Program brings a flash of Broadway to the rez
National Dance Institute Residency Associate Hannah Foss applauds all the Atsa Biyaazh students after leading them through their dance exercises on March. 6. (Times photo – Shondiin Silversmith)
SHIPROCK
Hannah Foss, residency associate for the National Dance Institute, leads Nizhoni Bull, 9, through mirror exercises. Bull had to copy everything that Foss did. (Times photo – Shondiin Silversmith)
The kids of Asta Biyaazh Community School brought the power of Broadway to their little school as they danced their hearts out for their “Broadway Bound” performance this past Friday.
With over 100 students participating in the National Dance Institute of New Mexico’s residency program, the Shiprock community got to see bits of plays that were performed on Broadway showcased by kindergarteners through fifth-graders.
NDI New Mexico is an organization that bring award-winning arts and physical education programs to underserved children in urban, rural and Native American communities throughout New Mexico, the website states.
Asta Biyaazh Community School has been part of NDI’s residency program for 14 years, according to fifth-grade teacher Tim Davidson.
The program allows a school to host a team from NDI for one to three weeks. The team teaches daily dance classes, culminating in a final performance.
The classes aren’t just about dance. It’s a dance program that teaches a child to achieve excellence — using dance as a tool, said Residency Program Director Cristiane C. de Oliveira.
Atsa Biyaazh Community School students follow the movements of and NDI associate as part of their dance exercises. The students mirrored her movements. (Times photo – Shondiin Silversmith)
De Oliveira said while they are at the school they teach the students four core values every day: Do your best, work hard, never give up and be healthy.
To read the full article, pick up your copy of the Navajo Times at your nearest newsstand Thursday mornings!
Are you a digital subscriber? Read the most recent three weeks of stories by logging in to your online account.
Highway 264,
I-40, WB @ Winslow