RAISING A GENERATION OF STUDENTS WHO VALUE COMMUNITY

In the window of every one of our studios you can see what we refer to as our “Culture Poster”, it lists the core values that the studio was built on. There along with building self-confidence, encouraging creativity, and age appropriateness, you will see the words, “Give Back to our Community”. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted community involvement to be part of what we taught at Expressions.

Children today are growing up in a world that is more digitally connected than ever before- but also less emotionally and socially connected than ever before. Living isolated and disconnected lives goes against our nature as human beings. We long for connection with each other and a sense of belonging. Strong communities have the power to bring people together.

A community can also help us to develop a sense of identity. This can help us feel we have a place in the world, and that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Actively participating in community events can give us opportunities to connect with people around us and learn to appreciate and understand people who are different from us. As we learn to interact confidently in our community we feel more safe, secure, and grounded. This can give us the boost we need to go out into the world and follow our dreams.

Students at Expressions Dance & Movement Center have many opportunities to give back. Many choose to become classroom assistants and help younger dancers grow and excel. Some also join our chapters of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, where they plan and participate in several service projects each year. Other students volunteer as buddies to help students with special needs in our Elev8 Arts classes. But perhaps their favorite way to give back to the community is by sharing their love of dance through community performances – and on the top of that list is definitely the Santee Street Fair! Performing at the Street Fair has become an annual tradition at Expressions, with hundreds of kids taking the stage each year. This event is special, because it brings together all the people who live and work right where the kids live and go to school. Students dancing at the Street Fair are also part of an event with a purpose - honoring our local veterans and celebrating the small businesses that serve our community.

We love having a booth at the Street Fair each year because this is where we meet our people! It gives us the opportunity to talk with parents, answer their questions, and hear about their hopes and dreams for their children. After over a decade of attending the Street Fair, it feels like a reunion, a place where we’re sure to meet up with people we know from school, church, and other community events.

I hope you’ll join us at the Santee Street Fair on May 25th! There’s sure to be an endless array of good things to eat, good conversations to be had, and great entertainment(if I do say so myself!). I’ll be there all day- either at the stage, or in our booth. Come by and say hello, I’d love to meet you and hear about what our community means to you!

Darcy Fagerwold Owner Director Expressions Dance & Movement Center