Thomas Jefferson Third-Graders Dance Around the World

Experiential education was transformed into art this week as third graders from Thomas Jefferson School in Morristown wowed audiences with their dance performances in a "MultiCultural Folk Dance Celebration."

Dressed in brilliant colored traditional costumes from the countries they represented, the students performed five different native dances from Italy, China, Romania, Ghana and the Dominican Republic. The show was choreographed and directed by artist in residence, Joanna Pang Atkins.

Atkins is a member of Morris Arts, an organization which helps bring arts and educational programs to schools all over Morris County.  The Residency was sponsored by both the TJ Parent Teacher Organization and the Morris Educational Foundation.

 "While participating in Mrs. Atkins' Multi-Cultural Dance Residency our third grade students were exposed to the music, dance, history and geography of a variety of cultures from around the world," said Cristina Frazzano, TJ School Principal.

Under the direction of Atkins, the students had two weeks to learn the dances and choreography. Each class represented a country and students nailed their performances in the Italian "Cicerennella", the Chinese "Chinese Ribbon Dance", the Romanian " Alunelul", Ghana's "Highlife" and the Dominican Republic's "Merengue." 

The show concluded with the entire third grade and the audience dancing to the USA's "Rock and Roll."