Wonderful times inspiring a love of dancing. Teacher comments: “Lesley taught them with gentle love and understanding and infinite patience. I was amazed by how well the students did.  Students that are usually reticent and reserved blossomed and took leadership roles, some for probably the first time all year. I held my breath when we got to the improvisational part of Lesley’s program but it was fantastic to see how safe and comfortable my students felt, and how willing they were to take risks in front of their peers. It was truly a wonder. Every student bloomed and grew…”

Touring and teaching dance this November/December and March/April in Grade Five classes. New music and a different – older – age group will be fun and interesting. ah – five, six, seven, eight!

The Spotlight Dance Workshops were well received. Several participants are asking for MORE…Keep tuned for further developments.

Don’t forget to Register for Dance AMENDment happening June 6 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or June 7 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) in the Dance Studio at Stratford Central School.

Register by Email:  mayafair@sympatico.ca

Wear clothes and shoes you can move easily in, a yoga mat if you have one and a snack if you need one. Water will be provided.

MusIc and Movement * Rhythm and Reason * EmotIon and Energy * Health and Healing

A free interactive movement workshop that promotes body awareness and healing by exploring responsive, connected, organic movement with dance, rhythm, and imagination and discovering individual / group creativity. Limited enrollment. Ages 16 to ??

DATES and TIMES: Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Stratford Central School – Dance Studio

60 St. Andrew St.

Stratford

PLEASE REGISTER: mayafair@sympatico.ca

Funded by:

spOtlight is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Culture and produced by the Ontario Arts Council.

Dance aMENDment

Maya Fair has received a Spotlight Grant from the Ontario Arts Council. I will be offering healing dance workshops for adults at Stratford Central School Saturday June 6th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday June 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Music & Movement / Rhythm & Reason / Emotion & Energy / Health & Healing

An interactive healing movement workshop promoting body awareness: exploring responsive, organic movement through rhythm and dance; discovering individual and group creativity.

Pre-registration required at mayafair@sympatico.ca

Hope to see you!

I have been offered an ‘Introduction to Dance’ Workshop Tour in April and May with Elementary school students in the Avon Maitland District School Board through The Foundation for Enriching Education Perth-Huron. I look forward to dancing with students again.

‘One, A Rose’ the show and workshop on the importance of human diversity toured this fall (2008) in schools of the Avon Maitland District School Board. Funded by the Foundation for the Enrichment of Education and Prologue to the Performing Arts, the program reached hundreds of students. Shannon Thunderbird, singer played Mother Earth and Lesley, dancer played the Tree of Life and the four elements.

Dear Lesley,

Hi Lesley it’s Tim from Gr. 3/4. How is your cat Whipper doing is she still stretching with you? Your dance was really fun. I liked when you had to cross over with your feet and when people had to make up a dance and I could do it! thack you love, Tim

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Dear Lesley,

It’s Ben from the 3/4 class (the mathy kid) how’s your cat Whipper? Is she still strrrrreeeeeetching with you? Thanks for coming to teach us how to dance. I reeeeeeely like the mideval dance, it was fun! Well thanks again for coming well I have to go it is almost lunch and I’m hungry!

Sincirly Ben (math kid) tap tap tap tap

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Dear Lesley,

I am the guy that is the best dancer how is Whipper doing? I am doing good I’ve been prakice dancing.

Josh

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Dear Lesley,

It’s Aliya from 3/4. I really liked when you came to teach our class. I was the one who made up the bird dance. I have been making up dances at my house. I have also been remembering to use whipper’s lucky seven. I also have been staying active so when I am old I will not be all hunched over.

from Aliya

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Dear Lesley,

Hi Lesley! Thank you for coming to our school, it was a lot of fun!! If you are wondering who I am I am Jill, the girl who made you faint by knowing what a choreographer is. How is Whipper? I hope she keeps stretching with you.

from Jill

ONE, A ROSE

Presenters: Shannon Thunderbird, Prologue to the Performing Arts, Toronto Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick, Foundation for Enriching Education Perth-Huron

Students embark on an interactive journey of discovery, to Heal the Bully and Value Each Other by Celebrating Human Diversity through creating a beautiful garden and building a human medicine wheel. What if there was only one colour of rose? What if there was only one kind of animal? What if there was only one type of human? What would the world be like if there was no diversity? What would happen if we were able to transcend our differences and rise above fear, hate, bullying, greed and jealousy and find within ourselves, love, generosity, sharing, caring, wisdom, humility, honour, respect, trust, integrity, courage, leadership. The educational world calls this Character Education, the Native world calls it Medicine Wheel Teachings. The day will start with a little entertainment from Thunderbird and Lesley after which students will spend a totally interactive day immersed in the joys and empowerment of human diversity. Mother Earth’s Garden will include great props, dance, drumming and song. Later, taking all the teachings and sharings that have emerged throughout the day, students will build a human medicine wheel. Maximum students: 35.

Photo of Shannon by L.Walker-Fitzpatrick