Talented young dancers from Brockport’s Fred W. Hill School worked hard for ten weeks, learning proper warm-up technique, jazz movements, stage language and choreography. The 12 fifth graders worked closely with mentor and graduate student Briana Kelly, along with her advisor Professor Juanita Suarez, the director of The College at Brockport’s Dance Department and Interdisciplinary Arts for Children Program. The training culminated in two special performances for classmates, parents and the community on Dec. 1 at the Hill School Cafetorium.
The Academically Talented Program at Hill School partners with The College at Brockport and The Arts for Children Interdisciplinary Program, as well as with a wide variety of other community mentors. It offers advanced students the opportunity for enriched experiences in many fields, beyond the usual coursework. Students qualify for the program through their interest and their ability to keep up with any work missed during class time. Most qualified students are already performing well academically in all subject areas.
“During the upcoming spring semester, we will have 22 fourth-grade students who will be working with a Brockport College dance class at Hartwell Hall,” says Hill School Enrichment Specialist Archer Noble. “We are hoping to be able to offer opportunities like these each school year.”
The Academically Talented Program is always looking for mentors with specialized skill sets. Currently there are mentors involved with wood working, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, dance, mineralogy/lapidary, robotics and music theory/composition. People interested in becoming a mentor can contact Archer Noble at archer.noble@bcs1.org or by phone 637-1844.
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