Skidmore program teaches dance basics

CHRISTA A. PARRISH, The Saratogian January 27, 2001

SCHUYLERVILLE -- Fifth-graders at Schuylerville Elementary School were on the move Friday -- jumping, rolling, and waving their arms.

No, they weren't having free time on the playground. They were dancing.

Professional choreographers from the Shapiro & Smith Dance Company -- in residence at Skidmore College through Feb. 11 -- held movement workshops at the elementary school to help demystify the art of dance.

Students were encouraged to use physical expression to explore the spoken and unspoken rules of society and family, and to look at visual images in new and different ways. Percussion instruments and recorded music complemented the instruction.

''It gave the opportunity for students to see how to use their bodies to express emotion and to create different environments,'' said Mary DiSanto-Rose, director of Skidmore's dance program. ''They learned that dance is definitely another form of communication.''

Because of Expanding Horizons -- a partnership between the college and the school district -- 26 Skidmore education majors joined the choreographers for a hands-on teaching experience.

''It was a really supportive experience for both sides,'' DiSanto-Rose said. ''Our students really helped break the ice for the fifth-graders, showing them it was OK to move and express themselves through movement.''

An Expanding Horizon's grant for $1,000 helped cover the cost for the movement classes.

Schuylerville Home School Association's Arts-In-Education Program covered the other $600 with funds raised specifically for the purpose of bringing visiting artists to the school.

Michelle Larkin, chairwoman of the arts-in-education program, also appreciated the college students being present to help with the workshops.

''You never know with fifth-graders, if they're going to be into it or if it's uncool,'' she said. ''The (Skidmore students) were a great role model, willing to get out there and look silly. They gave the kids confidence.''

The choreographers of the New York city based company, Larkin added, also had a rapport with the kids and, ''really taught them to appreciate all forms of dance.

©The Saratogian 2001