2 minute read
Circling the Hill: Weaving a Joyful Tradition
"Community singing and dancing have always been a passion of mine," says Lower School performing arts teacher Colleen Vernon. "Too often, we are passive observers of music rather than active participants. So, I like to create opportunities for people to come together and engage in cultural dancing and singing."
Vernon's enthusiasm inspired her to introduce her students to the traditional songs and dances of European May festivals. On a bright spring morning in early May, the Lower School community gathered to celebrate the season together. While students from every grade joined in the singing, this inaugural year featured the fourth graders performing a series of traditional dances, including a "Grand March" and two maypole dances with colorful ribbons.
"These dances are more than just beautiful traditions; they're also lessons in teamwork, concentration, and spatial awareness," Vernon explains. "You have to hold the ribbon just right—not too tight, not too loose. It took problem-solving, focus, and a lot of collaboration to make it work, and the kids were so excited when they finally got it."
The morning celebration culminated in a captivating performance, with students weaving in and out as they traveled around two maypoles set up on the playground. As they moved gracefully over and under each other's ribbons, they gradually created colorful basketweave patterns around the poles, much to the delight of the audience and the young dancers.
"The energy of the day was incredible," Vernon reflects. "Everyone responded so positively. I hope that now that we've learned these songs and dances, we can build a repertoire of May traditions that become a meaningful part of our performing arts program."
