Past projects 12
Dancers need new iPod to keep our groove on!
Funded May 30, 2018Wow! Thank you so very much for your generous support of my dancers! We did not realize how much we needed a new iPod until we received the new one. Thanks to YOU!
I suppose we became immune to the previous device not showing the correct date and time. I can now set an alarm to signal the dancers to change back into their school uniform which is such a useful tool. I have already uploaded my music library to use for class and rehearsal and was able to use the new iPod for our annual Women's Day performance just this week. You will see some of those dancers featured in the photos.
Many of the senior dancers will be using the new iPod next week as they will teach their peers as part of their Final Exam Project. They will create their own lesson including music of their choosing and upload their playlist to use during their class.
We can not thank you enough for supporting us and for being a part of my mission to educate thoughtful and creative minds.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Arts Funder and 3 other donors.High School Dancers Need to Costume Our Musical!
Funded Feb 22, 2018I can not thank you enough for your generous support. Putting up a show requires an enormous amount of needs and many of those needs were met by your kindness.
Receiving proper costumes became a reality and we are ever so grateful. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to pull off costuming Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow without reaching out to the masses. As you may see in the photographs the dancers were so happy to perform in full costume. It was like Christmas morning receiving the packages.
The arts departments are in grave need here at my school but we preserve and create good work because our student performers are so deserving. I hope you know how much your support means to us and added to this wonderful production!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
Graduating Dance students in need of team jackets.
Funded Oct 8, 2017It means so much to see my senior dancers wearing their new official hoodies around the school. Having an official team jacket has been on our list for quite some time. When I say you have fulfilled a big dream of mine is an understatement.
It is my tenth year here where I continue to work to build the dance program. Even a small item such as your donation is making a difference. The dancers were awarded the hoodies just this week during their induction to the National Honor Society in Dance Arts. The dancers are proud of what they have earned and I am certain they will continue to show such pride.
Thank you so very much for supporting these well deserving dancers! It truly takes a village.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
High School Dancers In Need of Dance Wear
Funded Feb 21, 2017Our new dance clothes are here and we are so excited! Not only are proper dance clothes hard to find these days but it has been equally difficult for financial reasons. I am so thrilled to be able to provide for my dancers thanks to you and your generous donations.
We have our annual Spring Dance Concert coming up and we will be debuting many of the tights and ballet shoes. I am certain that the dancers are going to have an even better performing experience now that they will be 'dressing the part'. Thank you so very much for supporting us. It truly does take a village!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
IPod needed for Dance Program!
Funded Feb 15, 2016Thank you so very much for supporting my dancers! We are so happy with the new IPOD Touch. We are currently working on small group projects where the dancers are creating their own works of choreography. Having the new IPOD is allowing us to set up audio 'stations' and share the space working simultaneously.
One specific student choreographer will be debuting her piece at our upcoming High School Dance Festival. Not only am I overjoyed with her work as a young choreographer but the dancers in her piece are working to her level. This is certainly something that any teacher would be proud of. To sit back and guide them is a true pleasure.
Your generosity mean so much to us. It is year eight for our program and we are still without a budget. I produce two dance concerts a year on a shoe string! So every little dollar counts!
Thank you for keeping the Arts Alive!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
Dancers Inspired by Ballerina's Story
Funded Dec 14, 2015I can not thank you enough for supporting my dancers. We are enjoying reading Michaela DePrince's story so very much. I knew the dancers would enjoy her story but I did not expect them to become deeply compassionate and enthralled with her journey. In fact one student in particular messaged Michaela via Instagram and Michaela replied back with a 'Enjoy reading!'. My student was thrilled and couldn't wait to share her new connection with Michaela with me.
A recent project we enjoyed working on was Dream Boards/Action Boards. The dancers put together their own goals and dreams and presented them in front of the class. Not only has the work brightened up our dance studio put has given us many positive words and affirmations to inspire us on a daily basis. Michaela herself has been quoted as saying, "Never be afraid of being a poppy in a field of daffodils".
While we are reading the book as a class project my hopes are that the dancers become inspired to read MORE. I am planning a 'book club luncheon' soon where we will all share treats while we share our thoughts on the book.
Thank you so very much for your generosity and for supporting the Arts. Dance and the Arts are truly transformative and it can't happen without people like you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
American Ballet Theater Teacher Training Intensive
Funded May 11, 2015Participating in American Ballet Theater's Teacher Training Intensive has completely changed me as a dance teacher. Throughout the nine days of training I gained new teaching skills and methods that have brought a new perspective to my classroom.
ABT's National Training Curriculum is a 'less is more' approach and it is proving to be the perfect fit for my beginning high school dancers. Bringing this curriculum into my classroom is 'rising the barre', pardon the pun! The dancers are meeting my NEW expectations by coming to class looking like ballet dancers and most importantly believing they can learn Ballet.
Because the curriculum is a set progression of steps where they master one step or position at a time, the students are having a newfound success with Ballet. With this success comes a sense of ownership and trust in their work.
Thank you so very much for your support in sending me to train with world-renowned American Ballet Theater. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to continue to be the best dance teacher and to bring the very best training to my deserving dance students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 5 other donors.Dancers Can Read Too!
Funded Sep 9, 2014Thank you ALL for your generosity! Because of you my students now have several quality reference books to us to use for our dance classes.
It may seem unbelievable but I have waited nearly seven years to acquire proper text books specifically for dancers. We have already learned a great deal MORE about 'The Nutcracker' and the history of many famous ballets from our new text books. There is much more learning to be had and we have you all to thank.
I can't thank you enough for supporting our dancers. I am a true believer in the adage, 'It Takes a Village'. Thank you for being a dancing Villager!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 3 other donors.When You Look the Part, You Act the Part!
Funded Dec 9, 2013We can not thank you enough for providing us with our very first proper dance costumes! It has been a dream of mine to have my dancers perform Alvin Ailey's most profound work "Revelations". To have costumes similar to those worn today by the Ailey dancers has made a huge impact on my dancers.
As soon as the dancers heard the costumes were funded and on the way they were full of excitement. When they arrived they of course could not wait to try them on. Some of the statements from the dancers were, 'We look beautiful', 'Wow, I love how the dress flows when we turn'.
One of my goals for this dance piece was for the dancers to emulate the Ailey company by watching and critiquing "Revelations" on video. They were asked to list specific movement qualities that they could put into their work. Within their assessments they noted how the Ailey dancers 'worked their skirts'.
I was hoping that the dancers would indeed 'act the part by looking the part' and that is exactly what they have done. It is truly amazing how having the necessary tools can change a child's demeanor and it is because of your generosity! Thank you for playing a huge role in the success of my dance students.
Keep calm and dance on!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile
Tap Into The Future!
Funded Mar 16, 2012I can not thank you enough for your thoughtful and generous donation to provide Tap Shoes to all of my high school dance students. The look on the dancer's faces when they came in the dance studio and saw the shoe boxes was priceless. I can't say that I've seen some of them any happier.
We have been tapping in our shoes for less than a week and we are well underway with our shuffles and flaps. I've heard several comments such as, "I didn't realize how hard tap dancing was". Yes, they are working on a brand new dance technique and understanding new rhythms and how to translate them to their feet and legs. Our very first Tap piece will be performed in our Spring Concert next month.
Thank you again for contributing to the efforts to enhance my student's education in dance. I firmly believe that all children deserve dance and what better way to enrich the lives of today's youth than with Tap Dance!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Statile