Past projects 36
Once Upon a Dancers Dream
Funded Mar 27, 2018I cannot begin to put into words how your donation has impacted our dance program this school year. As you can see from our pictures, students shined bright like the stars that they truly are as our Spring dance recital. This was the first time our school ever participated in a school-wide dance recital and it certainly will not be the last. Students in kindergarten through eighth graded practiced for months in genres of ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, lyrical, and hip-hop. The theme of the recital was Disney and everyone - from the teachers and staff to the administrators and community members - were floored. The students exceeded my wildest expectations and we were all so proud of them.
This upcoming school year, we plan to do even bigger and better things. Instead of just a dance club, I will be hosting a dance team for students who wish to pursue performing arts even further. These students will train like professional dancers and will perform at numerous events in our Newark, NJ community. Additionally, I have already began to draft the outline for next years dance recital 'A Night at the Movies'. I cannot wait to see what my students can achieve this school year.
Your donation has truly inspired my students to continue pursuing greatness in the arts and we will be forever grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Namnama
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple and 2 other donors.Once Upon a Ballerina's Dream
Funded Dec 14, 2017I cannot believe we have been so lucky to get so many dance resources this school year! Having various leotards, skirts, and shoes available when it comes to show time makes things so much easier. Most recently, we used our lavender ballet skirts at a community performance and our leotards during our Black History Month show. We will be utilizing our blue skirts during our Spring recital. I can't even put into words the difference having basic dance resources available make in our dance program. Not only are the students more excited, but entire school community is as well. These costumes help empower us to keep on shining even when the going gets tough. From the bottom of my heart, thank you again for your donations and support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Namnama
This classroom project was brought to life by DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation - Sports Matter and 4 other donors.Back to Ballet Basics
Funded Nov 14, 2017When the curtains opened for our Winter showcase revealing the students wrapped in white leotards, pink tutus, and ballet slippers, the audience was floored. Not only did these resources help the students feel more empowered, but encouraged our school community to invest more time into our program. I had so many parents, teachers, aunts, grandmas, cousins and more approach me and say how beautiful everyone looked. Even our principal was floored; these costumes made our dilapidated auditorium feel like New York City Center. While we still use these leotards for various events, our next big show is our Spring Recital. The students are so excited to showcase their ballet technique and grace one more time before the end of the school year. From all of us to you, thank you for making our wishes for quality dance costumes and resources a reality.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Namnama
This classroom project was brought to life by DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation - Sports Matter and 4 other donors.On Tuesdays We Wear Tutus
Funded Oct 29, 2017The students LOVE their new dance tutus and shoes! What a difference in their self-confidence and intentions in my rehearsals. The students love using these resources during practice, but especially love showing them off at school and community events. Most recently, we used these items during our schools Winter Showcase and Newark's 3 Kings Day Celebration at a nearby community college. Everyone in attendance praised the students dancing as well as their confidence with these new shoes and tutus. Going forward, we will be using these same resources in our Spring show and a community Music and Arts Festival performance.
I cannot thank you enough for investing in my students and the children of Newark. These resources mean so much and I know the students will continue to cherish your thoughtfulness not only though the rest of the school year, but for the rest of their lives.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Namnama
High Need for STEAM - Dance Technology!
Funded Feb 4, 2017Just today, our students used our go-pro cameras and accessories to record themselves performing at a community event. This resource which you helped provide gives out students easier access to technology, and allows them to share their dancing through various means. In the coming months, we will be using our go-pro to also record our first annual Dance Showcase at Hawkins Street School.
Although they are still experimenting with the product, the students are most excited about the various perspectives that this technology can capture. The head-gear as well as the body-camera have allowed students to experience and share dance in a new way. The students have clearly taken ownership over this product, and remain very thankful that you have given them this opportunity. Keep an eye out for our upcoming project as well as our videos from our go-pro camera!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Namnama
Dancers Seeking Live Accompaniment!
Funded Aug 28, 2016Our students here at Hawkins Street School are thoroughly enjoying the new classroom resources you helped provide for this school year. Most recently, we utilized our rhythm sticks during our first ever 'Hispanic Heritage Celebration' and our dancing scarves to learn about creative dance and Claude Debussy's 'The Snow is Dancing'. Our Sony boombox works great in our school auditorium during class, rehearsals, and most importantly, our school performances. Furthermore, our various instruments (drums, shakers, etc.) allow us to explore rhythm and their patterns.
Heading into the new year, we are focusing on several new lessons based on everything from dance on camera to ballet and from creative dance to African dance. We will also be performing in upcoming events such as our Black History Month show, our Spring Showcase, Battle of the Classes, and more. Feel free to visit www.hawkinsdance.weebly.com to see student-led projects, pictures of our rehearsals, videos of our dances, and more.
Thank you for you generosity as these resources will continue to play a vital role in providing a quality performing arts education for our students here in Newark.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Namnama