In this workshop residency, students dance their way through Coral Reefs, the Food Chain, Symbiotic Relationships, Aquatic Biomes, and Moon Phases — discovering how animals and environments work together. A Lead Teaching Artist, Assistant Teaching Artist, and Musician guide students to connect science curriculum to creative expression, bringing joy and rigor to every lesson. All abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate fully.

Each class consists of a warm up, engaging game, choreography, educational notes and/or poetry and a musical lesson all in line with curriculum standards. NC Arts in Action uses the National Dance Institute’s proven and nationally recognized teaching pedagogy to create a positive and safe environment while challenging students with the essential skills of determination, communication and collaboration. The residency culminates in a Lecture Demonstration presented to the entire student body, featuring the participating classes. This school-wide performance elevates the experience — allowing students to share their learning, celebrate the artistic process, and feel the reward of performing for their community.

Artist Background

North Carolina Arts in Action lives through the commitment that the arts is an essential part of every child’s education. Serving the Triangle community for 21 years in 23 schools across Wake, Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties, NC AIA is an associate of the National Dance Institute in New York City and carries forward the tradition and pedagogy of our founder — New York City Ballet dancer and MacArthur Foundation Fellow Jacques d’Amboise. Our Teaching Artists and Musicians bring professional performance experience alongside degrees in education and ongoing training in their disciplines. Over the past 15 years, we have partnered with 14 Wake County schools to bring long-term residencies to Title I communities. After witnessing the positive impact on academic achievement and social-emotional development, NC Arts in Action is now expanding to offer three- and five-day residencies to all schools. We use dance — an art form present in every human society — as an engaging way for young children to develop discipline, self-esteem, and a desire to excel. When students express ideas and feelings through artistic movement, they build self-awareness, discover new talents, and learn to work as a team. The program becomes an incentive to achieve in the classroom and to develop genuine respect for one another.

Search Criteria

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