Chicago Public Schools

Ideas in Motion: Exploring the Intersection of Poetry and Dance

5 Apr 2021

Just in time for National Poetry Month, the team at Dancing with Class had the opportunity to explore the connections between poetry-writing and dance with guest artist Marlin M. Jenkins, an accomplished poet, educator and dancer. Our teachers plan to incorporate some of what we learned from [...]

Holiday Dance Traditions Around The World

30 Nov 2020

The winter holiday season ushers in a time of engaging in family and cultural traditions for many people around the world. In addition to celebrating in your own ways, learning about traditions that are celebrated in other cultures can broaden your view of what the holiday season means. In this [...]

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When Partner Dance is Physical Therapy: Addressing Disabilities in the Classroom

2 Nov 2020

Partner dance can be used as an alternative to physical therapy. This article addresses common issues people with disabilities encounter in classroom and dance settings. In order to raise awareness to the issues a group of people encounter, it is important to talk with a person within that [...]

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Dance As a Form of Activism

1 Oct 2020

This month, Dancing with Class explores activism through dance. We will explore a wider range of activism by using dance to protest, research, and raise awareness for important issues. Activism comes in all forms. Activism can show up in different settings beyond protesting in streets. It [...]

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

8 Sep 2020

What is Hispanic Heritage Month and Who is it About? The United States of America dedicates a month (September 15th-October 15th) to honor the contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Before we go further into learning [...]

How to Keep Dancing Through a Pandemic (we need dance now more than ever!)

11 Aug 2020

Dance provides expression, connection, laughter, release, and hope. These are all of the things that we need now more than ever. Dance provides the human connection many people are missing right now, and while we cannot use touch to connect, we can still feel close human connection by [...]

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4 Creative Movement Games To Enjoy Outdoors

5 Jun 2020

Today we are providing 4 movement-based activities that encourage kids to go outside (safely), interact with nature, and develop their social and emotional skills. While summer break starts this month for many, this summer may feel different due to previous and current COVID-19 restrictions. [...]

Black Lives Matter

5 Jun 2020

Dancing with Class sees, hears, and stands with the Black community, and is outraged by the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others before them. We recognize the importance of protest as a catalyst for change in bringing an end to systemic racism. [...]

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2 Resources for Building Literacy Through Movement

27 Apr 2020

2 Resources for Building Literacy Through Movement This month, we are sharing 2 books that can help children continue building literacy through movement, whether at school or home. The school closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic have put children in front of screens and placed new burdens [...]

Dancing as a Coping Skill

22 Mar 2020

Throughout the history of humankind, we can find evidence and examples of how people use dancing for celebration, story-telling, problem-solving, physical self-protection, and self-expression. In addition to all of these benefits, dance can also be a natural coping skill. Coping skills are [...]