| Dance is a funded mandate in the State of New Mexico under the statute of the Fine Arts Education Act. It is also considered part of “the arts” which is mandated under the No Child Left Behind legislation. The last few years we have looked to groups like the National Dance Institute of New Mexico to help us cover these important mandates.
Some students learn better by getting up and moving to music. I had a college professor that had her class stand up every ten minutes during her lecture. This woke up our brains. When I studied for a big test in college, I walked around the room with the open textbook. It helped me study the concepts I needed to remember. Even today when I am working on a large project that gets a little complicated, I go for a walk with my dogs. Then I come back and play some music. This helps me think clearer thoughts.
What NDI-NM does in addition to modeling dance techniques is teach messages during the program that students can take with them the rest of their lives. “Work Hard.” “Never Give Up.” “Be Fit.” “Do Your Best.”
Our students live in a rapidly changing society and change is a something that many fear. Through technology and the internet we are connected to a world that is very diverse but also much the same. Every culture, whether wealthy or modest in their means, has a form of dance and music. People who have everything can fill concert halls; and people with nothing still have a voice. People with large financial resources can hire the top musicians and dancers of our time; and people who live in despair, can still dance. And students, who work hard, never give up, be fit, and do their best can live lives that will be powerful beyond measure.
I would like to thank Edison Elementary and Will Rogers Elementary for providing a time to dance for their students.
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If you have any questions about the Elementary Fine Arts Program you can e-mail ledgerwoodt@hobbsschools.net
. Thank you for your interest in the arts.
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Tyson Ledgerwood
Elementary Fine Arts Coordinator
Hobbs Municipal Schools
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