june 2011
ARTEMIS
girls love to dance Dancing has been an important part of established society since the early days of civilization. There have been dances that thanked the universe for bountiful harvests
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In the News
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Year-end Celebrations
11 Class of 2011: Where They’re Headed 13 Experiential Education 17 Featured Student Poem 20 Spring Athletics Highlights 22 Making a Difference 26 Alumna Interview
while there have also been dances that sought respite from drought and famine. Dances were used to prepare warriors for battle, to crown Kings and Queens, and to celebrate marriages. Since time immemorial, dance has been the expression of our lives. Essentially,
dancing has been and is vital to us as human beings – we live, we love, we laugh and we dance. Dancing has many advantages, for both young and old, and is especially advantageous for adolescent girls. Research has shown that dancing not only boosts self-esteem, it enhances overall confidence. Dancing improves listening skills, requires memorization, improves flexibility and overall health, and enhances social skills. By participating in dance, girls also learn to be supportive and collaborative. At Archer, more than 100 students participate in the dance program. In addition to beginning, intermediate and advanced level classes, students have the opportunity to join the Archer Dance Troupe as well as take part in the after school Dance Studio workshop classes. The Studio is open to all students and offers free classes in hip-hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and tap. Through partnerships with local dance professionals, including MNR Dance Factory, Lisa Kellogg, and Masterpiece Ballet Theatre, Archer is able to offer a full (continued on pg. 15)