By the end of our session, students will have a new knowledge of different types of dance steps used in traditional musical theater choreography, as well as how to piece together different portions of a combination. They will also develop their confidence in performing in front of others and using their body in a new athletic way. The final task of adding character or specific emotions to the dance helps them to give life to their movement and focus more on the storytelling than on getting every move perfect. Our discussion/debate period allows students to also communicate with others in their age group and become part of a community across the world. They might also learn a new song!

As a baby, preschool, and elementary theatre and music teacher, I have worked with students ages 5 months to 12 years in this format. I believe that moving our bodies is a great way to keep kids active and discover new ways to be creative, while challenging them to remember specific movements in a piece of music keeps their brains sharp. This is a unique class in that students have the chance to perform Broadway style dance combinations from their living rooms four days in a row, and get to know some new friends from around the world!