In this residency, students will use creative movement, rhythm, and choreography to explore storytelling and self-expression. The program begins with a guided warm-up and body awareness activities to prepare students for movement. From there, students will participate in a shared story experience — either through a read-aloud book, classroom theme, or school motto — and learn original movement vocabulary inspired by characters, emotions, or school values. Students will collaborate to create choreography, developing teamwork, sequencing skills, and creative confidence.

BrightMoves encourages schools to personalize their residency with options such as Mini Beast Bop, Abuela, Islandborn, or a schoolwide value like CARE. The experience can include bilingual prompts (English/Spanish) and cultural movement styles. Dance foundations such as posture and alignment drawn from ballet and jazz help support creative confidence in even the youngest movers.

Residencies are designed for all ages and abilities, with visual cues, modeling, and seated options for accessibility. Students leave class not just having danced, but feeling capable, energized, and part of something meaningful.

Sample Books & Themes:
Mini Beast Bop (movement based on bug characters)
Abuela (bilingual prompts and urban storytelling)
Islandborn (cultural identity and imagination)
School Mottos (ex: CARE – Caring bodies, Appropriate voices, Respectful actions, Everybody ready to learn)

Artist Background

BrightMoves is a movement-based education company that helps students connect to stories, school themes, and each other through dance. Powered by SOLINA Dance Productions, BrightMoves specializes in inclusive residencies that combine arts with literacy, SEL, and cultural learning. With a history of success in New York City public schools and North Carolina afterschool programs, the company has earned recognition for engaging students of all levels—even those new to the arts.

As a proud educational branch of SOLINA Dance, BrightMoves is more than a workshop—it’s a creative framework designed to uplift, align, and activate learning in motion.

Search Criteria

• Program Type: Workshop/Residency
• Discipline: Dance, Literary
• Grade Level: Elementary
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County