Family Folk Dance Night

On October 28, General Music students in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5, under the direction of Music Department Chair Alethea Mallia, hosted a “Family Folk Dance Night” at WSD. It was the first big, at-school event of the year and invited families to kick up their heels and have fun learning and dancing traditional American folk dances.

Because of the proximity to Halloween, families were encouraged to wear costumes to the event, and many came in their jeans, plaids, boots, hats, and other western wear. Guests did not need to know the dances ahead of time, and in fact that was the point — students were excited to teach the folk dances they have been learning in Music this term. They had practiced well and even prepared videos and demonstrations. Executive Director Steve Williams observed,

This was the first event involving kids and parents back in the building since the pandemic began, and it reminded me of what we have missed in the past year and a half. The kids and parents who attended were so pleased to be here together, dancing and sharing the joy of movement and music.

Alethea Mallia is currently the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program specialist at WSD. The BTSALP provides arts-integrated instruction to elementary students, effectively increasing student performance in every subject. Folk dancing incorporates music, dance, physical education, history, and math!