Dance class this week was such a special treat. Annie arranged for Jim Henderson, a local jazz musician (and former CFS parent and teacher) to visit the class. He enriched our study of the Harlem Renaissance by playing jazz music for the kids to dance to. He also taught us the difference between a soprano, alto and tenor saxophone.
At one point the students were divided into two groups and one group danced whenever they heard one saxophone and the other group danced when the second saxophone played. We even discovered that Jim can play two saxophones at once! Students in both groups practiced dancing in response to the music and pausing when we hear silence. The pausing helps kids practice self control and body awareness.
Annie and Jim also had the kids think about the relationship between words, sounds, music and dance. First, Annie read a poem by Langston Hughes while Jim played the saxophone in response to the poem. Next, Jim read a poem while Annie danced. Lastly, the kids danced while a musical group sang a Langston Hughe's poem.
We are incredibly grateful for Jim's visit. It enriched our study of the Harlem Renaissance and was an absolute joy. The kids loved hearing him play. A huge thanks to Annie for pulling this all together. Please check out the video below for some photos from this special dance class.
