P.S. 255 Dance

Ms. Mongelli

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Meet Our Dance Teacher!

Ms. Mongelli graduated with high honors from the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program at Hunter College. She also won two awards for her work:

  • The Excellence in Teaching Award from the dance program
  • The Excellence in Dance Education Award from the School of Education.

She trained in dance at several schools, including:

  • LaGuardia High School
  • Ballet Academy East
  • Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet
  • The School of Nashville Ballet

She has danced with Dances Patrelle and the Nashville Ballet. Now, she performs and creates dances for the Rockaway Theatre Company.

P.S. 255's Dance Programs

P.S. 255 offers DANCE for all grades, Kindergarten through 5th.

Ms. Mongelli’s pedagogy is culturally responsive, using works of art and diverse dance styles as entry points for teaching dance.

 

K-2nd Grade Dance Program

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade dance classes focus on creative movement. Students learn about the Elements of Dance (Body, Energy, Space, Time, and Relationship) and how they inform our movement as dancers. Students learn locomotor and non-locomotor movement, how to respond to music, and how to work together through movement explorations while building strength and coordination for dance.

 

3rd-5th Grade Dance Program

Grades 3-5 focus on diverse dance techniques. Students learn various styles of dance, including Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Lindy Hop, and Folk Dance. Students have opportunities to view dance, reflect upon dance, and create their own dances. 

 

Performance Opportunities

Students are invited to audition for Junior Dance Company and Senior Dance Company at the beginning of the school year. The Junior and Senior Dance Companies perform in the Winter and Spring Concerts. Additionally, advanced K-5 classes are selected to perform. Senior Dance Company also performs in the annual District 22 Dance Concert.

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P.S. 255's Dance Residencies

Partnerships That Support Our Students

In addition to Ms. Mongelli, we are proud to work with amazing programs that bring their talents and experience to our students!

Here are some of the programs we partner with:

Kindergarten: Education in Dance

This fun and creative program helps young learners grow through movement and art. The class includes:

  • Basic dance moves and creative movement

  • Music from different styles, like classical and jazz

  • Exploring art, like paintings and photos

  • Learning about healthy foods for our bodies and brains

  • Simple tumbling and movement skills

  • Drama games that help build confidence

  • Activities that boost body and sensory awareness

The program also connects to lessons about shapes, colors, and nature. It follows the New York State Standards and the NYC Department of Education’s Arts Blueprint.

3rd Grade: Alvin Ailey – AileyDance Kids

This exciting dance program helps students express themselves through movement. The classes are taught by trained dance teachers and musicians from the Ailey Arts in Education program.

The program supports:

  • NYC’s Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Dance

  • New York State Standards in the Arts

Students learn new dance styles, teamwork, and creativity while having fun!

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