Celebrate the Beat at Aspen Community School!
What is Celebrate the Beat? CTB is an affiliate of the world-renowned National Dance Institute, a dance program for elementary school children founded in 1976 by Jacques d’Amboise, one of America’s leading dancers. CTB is a program that encourages creative expression in a consistent, structured environment that is rooted in the belief that the arts can transform children’s lives. http://www.ctbeat.org/about_us/ctb_faculty.php
How does it work at ACS?
We set aside three weeks to rehearse an all school dance. Each learning center spends about 30-60 minutes a day rehearsing with a professional dance instructor from CTB. The dancing is very aerobic and physical, involving lots of counting and fast paced action. Rehearsals look a bit like “aerobic class” but more artistic. Each year we have a theme that integrates with a subject we are studying. In the past we have performed dances on such topics as Harlem Renaissance, Poetry, Rivers of the World, Einstein, India and the Life of Jacques d’Amboise. This year our theme is “Mexico.”
Why a dance program with professional dance instructors?
- The disciplined approach to learning a new, difficult skill gives children the tools to recognize and achieve excellence.
- A good deal of research suggests that cross-curricular learning leads to deep appreciation and understanding of concepts. Students will be engaging their minds and bodies in this cooperative, creative process.
- We don’t like to “act like dancers.” We want students and staff to experience what it is like to “be a dancer.” The professional instruction provided by CTB is rigorous and demanding. Yet students have a great opportunity to see just how much they can achieve together.
Who Are the Instructors?
- This year we are welcoming two new CTB instructors to our school, Heather Kratz and Jennifer Box. Tim Ribner will provide music. Please see their bios. At: http://www.ctbeat.org/about_us/ctb_faculty.php
What about the ACS teachers?
In addition to integrating academic curriculum we are in the dance also (comic relief?) Teachers attend all rehearsals and have their own dance in the performance.
What is the SWAT team? (Super, Wonderful, Awesome, Team)
This is a motivated group of 3-8th grade students who want to really push themselves. These students learn more skills and dance more frequently in the production. It’s hard work and a lot of fun. Swat Schedule: December 2,4,9,11 3:00-4:30, December 3rd and 10th 1:30-3:00
When and where is the performance?
We will perform two shows in our school gym on Wednesday December 17th, at 4:30 and 6:00 PM. Be sure to invite all your family and friends
