Sixteen years ago Vassar Road Elementary School began a biannual residency with TVC, spearheaded by music teacher extraordinaire, Karen MacLeod. Karen and the entire faculty at VRS really took the ball and ran with it, creating a deep learning experience where the entire school came alive with the arts. We culminated the second and third graders in a Festival of Sharing and here are Karen's remarks to the community that day:
Last week a reporter asked me what the Vanaver Dance Residency is all about. I thought about it this past weekend and I think I finally have an answer. The Vanaver Dance Residency here at Vassar Road is like a beautiful garden. To make a beautiful garden you need many things. First, someone needs to buy seeds and tools. The PTA and NYSCA generously gave money. There teachers selected the first seeds - the countries. Next they started preparing the soil, by planning interesting activities to help you learn. Just about 1 month ago we started planting seeds. Mrs. Coyne began projects in Library and you first met Gaby and Livia. Each day the seeds were watered as you practiced your dance. More seeds were planted in music, art and gym classes learning songs in different languages, listening to instruments, playing games and studying artists and art from different countries. Even more seeds were planted as you worked with your partner classes in kindergarten and first grade.
Soon plants were sprouting up all over the school. I could hardly keep track of all the wonderful things going on. There was more practicing and studying and learning. So the plants kept growing. Before long, flowers began blooming all over the school. Colorful maps and projects were hung on the walls. First graders told me about working with you and watching you dance. They could hardly wait to see all of the dances today.
In every garden there are rocks and weeds that must be removed. The weeds in our garden were our doubts – we didn’t think we could ever earn those challenging parts. But then along came Livia with words of encouragement, always believing in us and telling us we could do it. Gaby was there to help us and show us exactly how to do the steps. So we kept on practicing and things got better. Lots of parents came to help in the garden too. They helped you practice. Some sewed costumes. Others counted, washed and fitted your costumes, making sure that we had everything we needed. Some days the ice and snow kept us indoors at home and we couldn’t even get to the garden! Along the way there was lots of hard work and even sweat. It was fun working together. But sometimes you might have wondered if all that hard work was worth it. I know sometimes I wondered myself.
But now we know it was all worth it. Today you gathered some of the flowers from our Vanaver garden. You gave a big, beautiful bouquet to your parents and to everyone here at Vassar. We are all so very proud of you.
And the garden keeps growing. Some plants have begun to drop their seeds which will start new plants as you taught your dance to others. The first graders are already gathering seeds to plant in the garden in two years.
Many years ago, even before you were born, two very special people dreamed of this beautiful garden – Livia Vanaver and her husband, Bill. Livia and Bill, thank you for making that dream come true. We will always remember this wonderful Vanaver garden, because as the garden grew, each of us also grew. Livia, Gaby and Bill, in addition to and, I believe, even more important and lasting than the beautiful flowers we see today, are the seeds that have been planted in our hearts –
Seeds of friendship with buddy classes,
Seeds of cooperation and teamwork as we help each other to do our best
Seeds of discipline, perseverance, and practice.
Seeds of pride and accomplishment in our work.
Boys and girls, these are the seeds you need to water and care for so these seeds grow inside of you. These seeds will grow and blossom for the rest of your lives.
Livia, Gaby and Bill, the children have written notes to thank you for helping us to grow and work together to create this beautiful garden. Here are just a few of their words:
GRADE 3: read Beck & Wexler & Edwards
I never knew how to dance, but you guys changed that fact. You are great dancers.
I feel like I know the dance so well, like I’m a person from the Netherlands.
When we played it felt like we were really in South Africa.
The Gumboot dance is my favorite because you have to use teamwork.
I know two dances now because my brother knows the dance from Italy!
It is going to be the best day ever.
And yes, boys and girls this surely was the best day ever!
GRADE 2 – read Zmud & a few Moy
Thank you Gaby for helping us exaggerate our movements.
The dance has awesome motions and I love the dance.
It was amazing how you fixed my mistakes.
I felt so nervous at first. Then I felt impressed with myself. Just when I started dancing I thought it was so cool. When I danced I felt so free. It has been so fun.
This is just the beginning of a regular blog on our new website. We'll have entries by myself as well as Company members and guests.
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