Circle of Dance - :: Dance Education Programs ::

Dance Education Program Comments

"Can you imagine a world where the children are treated like snowflakes – each an individual creation? Can you allow yourself to dream of a system where a child’s unique intelligence and individual learning styles are considered and addressed? Can you envision educations embracing varied learning situations that reach outside the traditional boxes? Can you imagine ongoing, interactive learning opportunities for children to learn and express themselves in ways that are related to who they truly are? And if all this was possible - can you go a step further and imagine that this utopian system could thrive within our existing educational structures- and that the high educational standards that have been our heritage would be enriched and deepened by artistic dimension? Can you just see it - teaching artists and educational professionals working together to integrate concepts and curriculums and develop strategies for students academic success as well as their personal fulfillment ?"

Bobbie Comforto

Circle of Dance Repertory Company's mission to bring dance programs to public schools as a tool for learning has been fulfilled through their arts-in-education programs. These programs have grown to serve thousands of students throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties.

Arts in Education programs were developed to give students a new vision of dance; to expand their knowledge and appreciation of dance as an art form; to have students experience dance without risking ridicule; to give students an opportunity to develop personally by increasing their feelings of self confidence and self worth. As a result of the dance residency students experience the development of movement and dance skills and will be able to transfer cognitive knowledge, skill development and affective aesthetic knowledge to other areas of study.

“The most obvious change I witnessed in our kids is
the installation of self-esteem. With a program like this
they get to know themselves, their strength and
abilities. This program is exactly what we need because
it supports full learning. It is like a brain gym. they are
moving in a way that enhances all learning.”
Ms. Rita Mattus. Principal

Teaching Artist List

Theresa Diaz Dilallo
Jodi Phillips
Gale Podstupka
Diana Andrade
Michelle Fox
Jennifer Alvarado
Kiara Brown Bennett
Jennifer Fleischman
Carl Paris
Shana lynn Milazzo

Comments

“The Circle of Dance Program has given students the opportunity to develop creative talents, learn a sense of presence and find the confidence to explore all of which will benefit them for their entire lives”

Dr. Robert Pinkert
Superintendent of Schools

“The Circle of Dance Program was a definite enhancement to the K-2 classes. The students were able to integrate the various language concepts with movement. This wonderful program is a credit to your organization, your leadership, and the skillfulness of your dancers”

William Coddington
Principal (Ret), East Meadow S.D

“The whole notion and connection with literacy and movement is fascinating. Our students learned to focus, respond, listen and follow multi-step directions, essential readiness skills for the emergent reader. Movement is a unique mode of knowing and another wonderful avenue towards learning”

Izzet Mergen
Director of Music Education, Northport School District

“Outstanding experience for students to understand figure drawing, anatomy, and movement- introduces the students to the format of life drawing and the developing of observational skills”

Verna Amakawa
Art teacher, Walt Whitman H.S. South Huntington School District

“The program encouraged the development of listening skills, gross motor skills, and creative expression .Teachers were able to observe the developmental abilities of their students. This program meets NYS Learning Standards in both Arts and English Language Arts”

Classroom teacher, Sachem School District

“The integration of dance and the academic curriculum has created a positive learning experience for every one of our students. It is obvious to us that a great deal of time and effort went into the planning of the lessons, which clearly follows the New York State learning standards.”

Dr. Thomas Mongano
Principal, East Meadow School District

“Dance is unlimited in
its capacity to entertain,
teach, enrich, and communicate.”