News and Events Press Room Press Releases Atlanta School Children Learn to "Dance For Life"

For Immediate Release:

ATLANTA SCHOOL CHILDREN LEARN TO "DANCE FOR LIFE"
Performance by Drew Charter youth on December 3rd culminates residencies, programs of World Dance made possible by MetLife, Young Audiences of Atlanta and the East Lake Foundation.

Students at Charles R. Drew Charter school in Atlanta are surrounded by movement this fall, from attending assembly programs showcasing Kuchipudi (from India) and African and Chinese dance to learning the steps of Spanish Flamenco, Native American Aztec, African and American Modern dance. A generous grant from MetLife to Young Audiences of Atlanta, along with support from the East Lake Foundation has allowed Drew students in grades 1, 2, 4 and 5 to participate in the "Dance for Life" program. "Dance" was designed to introduce young children to the joy and physical discipline of dance and to experience the movement forms and traditions from cultures around the globe. YAA teaching artists Nana Agyeiwaah Anan, John Jaramillo, Ramatu Sabbatt and Matt and Emily Kent conducted 10-session residencies with students that will culminate in student performances on Friday, December 3, 2004 from 2:20-3:55 p.m. at Drew Charter School at 301. E.Lake Blvd SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30317. Drew instructors Michell Temple, Rick Turnbow, Chantall Williams and Kristan Ellis collaborated with the artists in the student workshops and performances.

Young Audiences, "There's An Art to Learning"
Young Audiences of Atlanta's mission is to improve the education and life of every child through the arts. We support excellence in education by providing curriculum-based live educational arts experience in schools, presented by professional artists. It has been proven that "arts poor" students do not fare as well across the board in learning situations, testing and social growth as those consistently exposed to integrated arts within the learning process. YA currently serve every one of Georgia's county school systems, annually presenting approximately 9,000 programs consisting of artist residencies, in-school performances, classroom workshops, and free and low-cost participatory arts events throughout the community. As of January 1, 2005 Young Audiences of Atlanta will merge with the Woodruff Arts Center, becoming a new division of the center.

Contact: Amy Turner:
Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center
404-733-5308
amy.turner@woodruffcenter.org