In-School Residencies
Connecticut Ballet teaching artists are available to conduct ongoing
instructional residencies in one or more schools. Often planned in
conjunction with educators and staff, the residencies can take place during
or after-school, may begin with an all-school company assembly or culminate
in a performance opportunity for students. Residencies may be centered
around curricular threads or specific achievement objectives within a grade level.
For further information on bringing Connecticut
Ballet's programs to your
school, please contact
Dana Rodriguez, Director of Education, at
203-964-
1211 or 860-293-1039.
2008-2009 School Dance Residencies
September 2008 - February 2009
|
International Baccalaureate School
at Dundee, Riverside |
September 22 - December 21, 2008
|
RJ Kinsella Magnet School, Hartford, Nutcracker residency & performances |
| October 20 - November 20, 2008 |
Old Greenwich School, Old Greenwich |
| February 23 - February 27, 2009 |
Riverside Elementary School, Riverside |
Student Reflections
Below are third grade student reflections based on a dance residency with the International School at Dundee.
How does it feel to dance? What do you think of while dancing? How is dance a form of communication?
It feels fun and free to dance because you can express yourself. I think of what moves, qualities, and levels I’m going to use next. I think it is a form of communication by like if you can’t talk you can dance to communicate and dancing sometimes shows how you feel.
Edouard – 3rd grade student at International School at Dundee (Greenwich)
It feels funny and weird moving around in a certain way when I dance. Also, I feel nervous when I dance in front of people. I also think of music and how the music is going (forte, piano, fast, slow). I think of people prancing and birds flying gracefully. Dance can show how you feel.
Madeleine – 3rd grade student at International School at Dundee (Greenwich)
We’ve explored levels, shapes, pathways, qualities, relationships, and choreography. What has been your favorite exploration? Why?
Shapes was my favorite because I never knew I could do shapes with my body.
Nico – 3rd grade student at International School at Dundee (Greenwich)
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Testimonials
The following testimonials were written in response to Connecticut Ballet’s Programs:
Connecticut Ballet’s exceptional residency at Joel Elementary provided students with a rich, interdisciplinary understanding of the ballet, its history, and techniques. With warmth, clarity, and humor, Brett Raphael and five dancers presented a Backstage at the Ballet program that was both highly educational and entertaining and widely praised by faculty. Students were enthralled throughout, and excited to try ballet stretches, positions, techniques and even some choreography in their physical education classes! The top-notch master teachers and assistants were fun and engaging, and all involved enjoyed a fantastic workout and a firsthand, deeper understanding of ballet as art and athleticism. Of all the assembly programs we’ve had, Connecticut Ballet truly stood out for its professionalism-- its organization and preparation (wonderful curriculum guide!)-- and its ability to captivate, educate, and inspire an audience. Thank you, Connecticut Ballet, for an extraordinary week! We hope you will visit us again!
Mary Elliott, Cultural co-chairperson
Joel Elementary School (Clinton)
February 2007
As coordinator of the program, I found the CT Ballet very easy to work with and open to suggestions. Their educational director, Dana Rodriguez, visited the school several times and met with our teachers to strengthen the connection between the classroom and the dance program in terms of vocabulary development and literary reflection. Connecticut Ballet also gave a school-wide performance entitled The World of Dance which was well-received by students and staff.
The Connecticut Ballet program provided a truly enriching experience for our scholars and allowed many of them to experience the joy and creativity of dance for the first time. We have worked with CT Ballet over the years and know that they have the expertise and experience to make the most of their time with our students. I believe you will be amazed at what they can accomplish. Please call me if you wish to discuss our experience in more detail.
Anne K. Downey, Former Assistant Principal
Toquam Magnet School (Stamford)
April 2007
We are very pleased with our affiliation with the Connecticut Ballet. They are dedicated, professional, talented and flexible (in more ways than the obvious!). They have brought wonderful opportunities to our children and have been warmly and enthusiastically received in by kids, teachers and administrators. It’s been a “Win-Win” for us, as well as them.
Joel Levitt, Art & Music Coordinator
Danbury Public Schools
May 2007
Dear Mr. Raphael,
Thank you for your FABULOUS performance at King St. Primary School. The children in my class wrote and illustrated their favorite part of your show as part of our Writers Workshop. They used their “approximate” writing skills by writing words as they hear them. We hope you enjoy our masterpieces as much as we enjoyed watching and learning about ballet from all of you!
Sincerely,
Maureen McGarrigal, Teacher
Judy Rickert, Aide
All-day Kindergarten at King St. Primary School (Danbury)
January 2008
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