1st Grade World Dance Residency
Long Hill Public Schools
The 1st grade students at Gillette school enjoyed a 2 week World Dance Residency led by Joanna Pang Atkins, a teaching artist from Morris Arts, funded by the Long Hill Twp. PTO. The classes rotated daily with each learning a specific cultural dance. The residency culminated on December 10 with a parent performance featuring the students dressed in traditional costumes provided by Ms. Atkins.
Jennifer Blajsa’s class, representing Mexico, danced the Mexican Clap Dance in colorful costumes. The students in Michele Pisciotti’s class wore white to represent the white clay the dancers used to paint their bodies, performing an Australian Aboriginal dance of the Wadjign and Gagudju tribe. Stacie Holzinger’s class, representing Brazil, danced the Quadrilha folk dance performed at Festa Junina, honoring farmers and country life. Elizabeth Nusser’s class, representing the Colonial days of the United States, danced The Virginia Reel in red, white and blue costumes. The students in Tracy Pierce’s class learned an intricate foot stomping Alunelul dance, representing Romania.
This residency is a favorite among the teachers and students at Gillette school with this being Ms. Atkins’ fourth visit to the school. Ms. Atkins is calling this world dance showcase her final “World Dance Tour” as she plans on retiring at the end of the school year. Darcy Riley joined Ms. Atkins daily, learning all the details involved with bringing and teaching this program to the students. Ms. Riley is excited for the future plans of hopefully taking over this residency allowing this program to continue for many years to come at Gillette School.
Photos by Long Hill Public Schools
