Elementary and middle school students enrolled and engaged in a program organized by the Aiken Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Throughout the program, students actively took part in three workshops, which included a Lion King-themed dance session led by the artist-in-resident, Myles Springs. Springs is also a math teacher at Wagener-Salley High School.
“It was fun learning to express my creativity through dance while testing the stereotype of dance just being for girls.” said LeeLan Davis, a sixth grader at New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School.
Dr. Kimberly Fontanez, chair of The Arts Facet and district fine arts coordinator for Aiken County Schools, expressed her dedication to collaborating with committee members Regina Pyles, Virginia Rigsby, Myrtis Brightharp Walker and Wimberly Yon.
Together, they have crafted a residency program titled "Envisioning Art Through Dance," which emphasizes classical education in the performing arts and offers hands-on learning opportunities supported by direct mentorship.
“The program highlights the artistic development of promising young artists of color and utilizes their talents to promote art education,” said Fontanez.
Students incorporated the concept of African dance infused with a Lion King theme, elevating a simple dance routine into a sophisticated display through the processes of analysis, interpretation and responsive adaptation to gathered information. Students performed a five-minute dance routine as a production, using technical proficiency and artistic expression. Students showed off their dance skills Saturday as they showcased what they’d learned in front of parents, friends and the community at the Aiken Center for the Arts.
Abigail Savage, a third-grade student at Aiken Elementary said, “I really liked the teacher and the African theme. I really like to dance, and I made a new friend!”
Parent Zakiyyah Stroman said, “This has been a wonderful experience. Not only were my children dancing but they networked and made connections, enjoyed a cultural awakening and improved their self-image."
For more information about the Aiken Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, visit their Facebook page.
