Fourth-graders at Columbus Elementary School this month participated in a two-week arts residency on traditional West African dance and drum. Coordinated by music teacher Dr. Christina Bergin, the program was led by the founders of VashtiDance Theater. The students loved the excitement, culture, and history and came excited to learn each day. Second-graders will participate in a similar program in March.
Principal Michael Galland said the school continues to find ways to make the arts a pillar in student development. Each student at Columbus has the opportunity to perform on stage each year, from when they arrive in kindergarten to their final year as fifth-graders. In addition to the second- and fourth-graders participating in the West African dance and drum program, kindergartners and first-graders are participating in a dance residency, and third- and fifth-graders have completed a Mexican dance residency program.