Diversity Dance on 8/28/09

Artist: Bob Tozier
School: North Allegheny

Notes:
Every year the North Allegheny School District sets aside time in the Opening In-service to celebrate diversity. This year, we will enjoy a unique production that weaves together components of dance, technology, art, music, and cultures from around the world. And before we begin, I want to thank Jim Reinhard and Bob Tozier, Chairs of our Visual Art and Music departments, for the work they put in to making this production a reality.

Please permit me to provide you with some background details so that you can appreciate the many layers of talent and the theme of this performance.

Our first dancer is an 8th grader from Carson Middle School. She will be performing an excerpt from Swan Lake, a ballet composed by Tchaikovsky, composed in 1876 and based on Russian and German folk tales that explore the idea of faithful, romantic love. She will be followed by another 8th grader who also attends Carson Middle School. She will be performing a traditional Irish dance referred to as ‘clogging,’ which is an art form that is many centuries old and has been passed from generation to generation. Irish dancing not only emphasizes a respect for Irish culture; but also discipline, self-confidence, creativity, conditioning, and cooperation.

An 8th grader from Marshall Middle School, will then perform a Chinese scarf dance. Traditional Chinese music and dance is rooted in folk customs and feelings and has a history spanning over five thousand years. It originated as a community activity and evolved into highly respected musical entertainment created and maintained for the imperial families. And lastly, a 9th grader from the intermediate high school, will perform a classical Indian dance. Bharatanatyam is an art of stage, drama, music, and rhythm. It is the oldest Indian classical dance form, dating back to 3000 B.C. Originally, Bharatanatyam was offered to please the Gods in the temples. Today, the performance is done in praise of music.

As these girls dance, you will see multi-media interpretations of their dances projected on the screens behind them that were created by students in our Computer Multi-Media Arts class at NASH last spring.

In the end, the girls will come together to dance to an original composition by a 2009 NA graduate. This composition weaves the musical themes each girl danced to, together with the “NA Alma Mater” and “America the Beautiful.” As they perform this original choreography by Andrea Ronk, please consider how the beautiful cultures and outstanding talents of so many have enriched our school district and our country. Enjoy this wonderful performance!