Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble

NOBA presents

Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble

LAKE FOREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Monday, May 10, 2010 @ 2:00pm

Lake Forest Elementary School

12000 Hayne Boulevard, NOLA

As part of its In Motion Partner Schools Program, the New Orleans Ballet Association presents Komenka Ethnic and Dance Music Ensemble in a performance for more than 250 students at Lake Forest Elementary on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm. The performance will include performances of “Dances of the World” selections from China, Turkey, Mexico, Spain, Hungary, and the U.S., as well as a dance teaching from Brazil and song teachings from Bulgaria.

This unique dance program, presented by NOBA for students and teachers at Lake Forest Elementary, uses an innovative teaching method that incorporates geography and language arts through movement while encouraging family communication, improving research skills, appreciating other cultures, and creating dances to reflect this information.

Since 1992, the New Orleans Ballet Association has offered arts programs in Orleans Parish Schools through its In Motion Partner Schools Program. This program uses an innovative teaching method to bring world-renowned companies and local artists into the lives of students and training teachers. The curriculum was developed by NOBA and a national dance consultant with the state standards and benchmarks to offer these students an exciting way to dance to higher knowledge.

“NOBA was the first community organization that reached out to us in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina,” said Mardele Early, Lake Forest Elementary Principal. “We were the first public school to open up in New Orleans East, and we appreciate NOBA’s support. It’s a great treat for kids going from 2^nd to the 3^rd grade knowing that they will have dance included I their curriculum. We hope to continue to have a long relationship with the New Orleans Ballet Association.”

Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble’s 30 member company is firmly routed and supported by a history which includes well over 1,000 performances for over 100,000 viewers both locally and abroad. The ensemble’s repertoire includes more than 100 regional ethnic dance and music styles rooted in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

The In Motion Partner School Program consists of three partner schools in Jefferson and Orleans parishes: Phoebe Hearst Elementary in Jefferson, Lake Forest Elementary in Orleans, and M.M. Bethune Elementary in Orleans. For more information, please contact at (504) 522-0996 ext. 207.

The program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council.