P.S. 255 Dance

Dance

Our students are extremely fortunate to have
an AMAZING dance teacher, Ms. Skerbec!

The dance curriculum at PS 255 is imbedded in creative movement, dance literacy, student-created choreography, all through the lens of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA).  Dancers in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten explore how their bodies move, using props and visual resources. Students in first and second grades explore more specific actions, create their own movement sentences, and use symbols, words, and pictures to express their movement ideas.  Students in grade four create dances with small groups, use motif notation to ‘write’ their dances, and provide peer feedback to one another regularly.  All students learn to speak and write about dance, as well as listen to one another and observe each other’s creative work.  Dance themes include (but are not limited to): animals, motif notation, patterns, relationships, and storytelling.  


In addition to Ms. Skerbic, we are extremely fortunate to partner with some amazing programs who are able to bring their expertise to our our students. Here are some of the programs we partner with:

 
Education in Dance

The Program Class Structure: 

    • Basic dance techniques and skills with creative movement
    • Quality music (classical, jazz, ethnic)
    • Visual artforms: Paintings, sculpture, photographs
    • Nutritional awareness (great foods for body and brain)
    • Basic tumbling skills
    • Drama games for self-esteem
    • Sensory awareness methods
  • The curriculum highlights shapes, levels, colors, locomotor skills, seasonal and nature themes, as well as school-based program concepts addressing the New York State Standards and the NYCDOE Blueprint for the Arts.


National Dance Institute

Inspiring Children Through the Arts

National Dance Institute (NDI) is a non-profit arts education organization founded in 1976 by ballet star Jacques d'Amboise.

Through in-school partnerships, workshops, and public performances, NDI uses dance as a catalyst to engage children and motivate them towards excellence.