Maxine Lyle and Soul Steps (a NYC-based dance-theater company) came for a 3 week residency this Spring, teaching the art of African Step Dance to over 100 adults, teens, and youth at Pittsfield High School, Taconic High School, and Berkshire Pulse.
The program consisted of 5 core elements: in-school classes, in-school sharing, studio time for Soul Steps to develop their work, a free community workshop, and a free presentation of excerpts of Step Show: The Musical, highlighting work that was developed during this residency. A student participant reflected, “I wouldn’t change anything. I feel that they are a perfect group.”
We’re so grateful to have this partnership with Soul Steps, which is made possible by NEA Challenge America and a private donor. Thank you!
Creative Movement Residency Recap
Pulse Teaching Artist Molly Hess offered 3 weeks of Creative Dance to Richmond elementary students, featuring a 10-15 minute structured warm up, and lessons that explored dance concepts focusing on Place, Pathway, Relationship, and also bringing in other concepts like level, speed, pattern, and body parts.
Thank you to the amazing students for being so open, creative, and hard working! Everyone had a lot of fun each week and retained a lot from previous weeks, really allowing them to make more complex choices with their explorations.
This program was funded by the Richmond Consolidated Schools and Richmond Education Enrichment Fund. Thank you!
