In 1993, Richmond Ballet began to search for a new educational initiative to deepen the Ballet's impact on the community. The Ballet wanted to create an educational initiative that would provide interaction with groups of students and professional dancers on a long-term basis.
From this search, Minds In Motion was created. Modeled after the renowned National Dance Institute, which was founded by former principal dancer with New York City Ballet, Jacques d'Amboise, Minds In Motion is now in its 13th year.
2007-08 Minds In Motion's Theme: Richmond, VA
In 2007-08, Minds In Motion caps off its 13th year with a look at the history of Richmond, VA. It's a chance for 1,400 fourth-graders to learn through dance about their local history.
END-OF-THE-YEAR PERFORMANCE DATES AND LOCATION
Come see all 1,400 Minds In Motion students on stage at the Arthur Ashe Center, Saturday, May 17, 2008 and Sunday, May 18, 2008. Please call Jordan Livermon at 804-344-0906, ext. 223 for more information or to reserve tickets. Admission is free of charge.
Description
Minds In Motion is a year-long program that teaches fourth-grade students discipline, dedication and self-awareness by leading them through a series of choreographic movements which must be memorized and expanded upon in each class session. This is not a ballet class, but a way to teach students the benefits of applying themselves to a task involving both mental and physical challenges. It requires no special clothing, shoes or equipment.
A pianist accompanies all of the classes, adding another enriching dimension to the experience. The students must count the beats and measures of the music and learn the elements of rhythm in order to be successful in the program.
Minds In Motion focuses on fourth-grade students because they have both the physical coordination and the concentration skills necessary to benefit each week from the one-hour classes. This age group is generally uninhibited and willing to try new things with enthusiasm. The program enhances memorization skills as the students repeat choreographic patterns in different combinations throughout each class. They are required to remember this choreography and expand upon it during subsequent classes. The development of these skills can help strengthen mathematical abilities, as well as provide a physical fitness component to a student's life. It also requires each student to develop focus, discipline and self-control.
TEAM XL/XXL Performance Group
Team XL/XXL is a successful after-school scholarship class for selected Minds In Motion students from each of the 19 schools. This program is offered free-of-charge and has enabled a number of students to transition to classes at the School of Richmond Ballet. Selected Team XXL students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Ballet's magical production of The Nutcracker.
Recent Awards
In May 2001, the City of Richmond presented Minds In Motion with two awards: a certificate of recognition for the outstanding service Minds In Motion provides to the community, and a certificate of appreciation to Brett Bonda, the director of the Minds In Motion program, for his efforts in the Richmond City Schools with the Minds In Motion project. Brett Bonda also received the 2002 Richmond Magazine's Teresa Pollack Award for Excellence in the Arts for his contributions to dance.
