Let’s Talk About the Powerful Possibility of Dance for All Students

Let’s Talk About the Powerful Possibility of Dance for All Students

by Kerri Education Frame | Work News & Updates

HISD Gets Serious About the Arts, Dancers Get Serious About Pliés in Public Schools

Did you know that, until last week, Houston Independent School District’s Fine Arts Department was organizationally administered by the Elementary School Curriculum Department? If that seems off to you given the caliber of talent at a place like HSPVA, you are not alone, but take heart because change is coming for arts education across the district. Interim Superintendent Granita Latham has promoted HISD’s Fine Arts Department to a stand-alone department, reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer. For teachers of music, dance, theater, visual and moving-image arts, this move is a resounding acknowledgement of what they see in the classroom every day: arts education makes a positive and far-reaching difference in the lives of our children and our community.

Photo by Lynn Lane

Frame Dance encourages arts educators, classroom teachers, school administrators, and parents to make your voice part of the discussion as the district develops arts programming under the newly advanced Fine Arts Department.

Frame Dance believes that the art and practice of dance brings unique, extensive benefits into a child’s school day. We believe that every school that wants a dance program can and should have access to professional instruction that is smart, vibrant, and caring.

How auspicious that there is a film about impactful dance curriculum in the public schools screening at the Frame x Frame Film Fest!

PS Dance! is a documentary about some of the most successful dance programs offered in NYC Public Schools under their Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts city-wide curriculum. The work being done by the students, instructors, and administrators in this film is a great example of what is possible when creative movement is prioritized in the public schools.

We invite you to watch the film on Saturday, November 21, 7 PM at the Houston Ballet, and then share your thoughts at a virtual round table discussion on the film and its relevance to dance programming in HISD. The PS Dance! Discussion Session is on Sunday, November 22, 2 PM and will be held virtually (contact kerri.lyons.neimeyer@framedance.org for more information). Guests include representatives from arts advocacy organizations, dance educators with HISD experience, and more professionals who are ready to inspire, inform, and listen.

Be heard.

Dance for All!

Experienced or Exploring, We Support You!

Experienced or Exploring, We Support You!

by Kerri Education Frame | Work News & Updates

Week-long summer camps are the perfect chance for kids to do two things: spend focused time on something they already like, or try on something new, something shiny that catches their curiosity but that they might not know much about. One week of focused exploration gives your child a greater understanding of and hands-on experience in a subject. That knowledge might make them hungry for more, or it might satisfy their desire for that particular dish; in either case they come away knowing a little more about their world and about their own appetites, which is great information to have!

 

Day camps in Houston are also an opportunity to learn more about local organizations that are eager to engage your family throughout the year. Museums, theaters, studios, and other institutions offer behind-the-scenes experiences with professionals in their field. These relationships and experiences are enriching and inspiring for kids, and make meaningful connections that enhance school-year studies and can be continued throughout the year.

 

Frame Dance appreciates the chance that summer camps provide to deepen our relationship with current and former dancers, and to meet new dancers (bring your friends!) as we share our inclusive, smart, and supportive approach to dance. We have just one camp available for each age group, so sign up quick! 

 

July 6-10 Ashley Horn and Lydia Hance teach our Wiggle Worms: A Bug’s Life camp. Creative movement, music, and mural-making for age 3 to 5 years. 

 

July 13-17 Ashley, Lydia, and educator Kerri Neimeyer (that’s me!) present Leaping Lizards camp for ages 6 to 8 years. Our theme is Sheroes and Heroes, and includes modern dance, ballet, music creation, costume design and visual arts practices.

 

July 20-24 Ashley, Lydia, Kerri, and Alli Villines present Formers and Framers for 9 to 13 year-olds, featuring training in dance, choreography, costume design and poetry/songwriting. We are making makers!

 

Whether your child is looking to dabble in dance or go deeper, we welcome and support them in their dance experiences and explorations.

 

Do you have any favorite summer camp memories? Recommendations? Surprising or niche summer camps in the area? Share them here with #FramerNation.