African roots explored at KCMS

African roots explored at KCMS

Walking into Kate Collins Middle School is like walking into a night club or a music video. At least on the days that Dr. Sheila Ward is at the school.

Ward, an associate professor at Norfolk State University and executive director of the Eleone Dance Theatre in Philadelphia, has been introducing students at KCMS to the historical journey of black dance from its African roots to today's style of dance.

The exploration into dance and movement was made possible through a partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools and the Wayne Theatre Alliance. The 10-day experience was funded through a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

"We approached the school system last year about working together on a grant to bring an artist of some kind to the public school system," said Clair Myers, executive director of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. "We wanted to begin to build a partnership with the schools that will continue once the theatre is operational."

The Wayne Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Waynesboro, has plans to re-open in the Fall of 2009. Regional performances will be a big part of the success of the theatre.

Although the Wayne Theatre isn't available now, a performance is still planned as a culmination to the instruction that 270 students received from Ward. From the classrooms, a group of students were selected and have formed a group called The Celebration Dancers.

The dancers will present a public performance to showcase what they learned at the upcoming Celebration of the Arts 2008.

The event, to be held on March 4, will take place at Waynesboro High School and will feature artwork from all ages of students, kindergarten through 12th grade, displayed in the gym. The music portion of the evening will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Spilman Auditorium at the high school.

"This is a wonderful way for the community to see these young students bring their creativity to the stage," said Myers. "It seems to me that it was an opportunity for students to explore all cultures, and I for one, cannot wait to see what the students learned from this experience."