It was a Macarena the likes of which Increase Miller Elementary’s cafetorium had never seen before! Third, fourth and fifth graders (and their teachers) did the moves in slow motion, in high speed, with hands up, then hands down low, led by Leon, an entertainer who had dazzled them moments before by twirling a half dozen hoops at once.
The Macarena was the grand finale of the presentation by the Phyllis Rose Dance Company. The troupe brought Hispanic Heritage Month alive through the sights and sounds of the streets of Madrid, the parties of Puerto Rico and Carnival, in Brazil.
The company performed dances including the Bomba, from Puerto Rico; the Samba, the national dance of Brazil; and the Bachata, from the Dominican Republic. Each was introduced by the troupe's founder, Phyllis Rose. Earlier that morning, Rose shared her dedication to her work, saying that bringing the music and dances of various cultures to children was one way to build bridges between the world’s peoples.
Jocelyn Lividini, the District’s elementary-level curriculum integration leader for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, agrees. “These performances enhance what the students are learning in the classroom and connect with our goal of creating a welcoming and inclusive community, both in and outside of our school buildings.”
The exciting Hispanic Heritage Month celebration was organized by Increase Miller Elementary’s PTO. It is one of six cultural celebrations planned for the school year. Special thank you to parents Dina Borelli and Karen Byrne for arranging for the enrichment.