by Mary Beth Barber, reposted from Create CA

1. The Arts Framework will likely be in place past 2030. . The Arts Framework will be the leading guide for dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts in California public schools… CDE published the last arts framework in 2004. This one will likely be in place for at least a decade, likely more. This is the time to have input.
2. How schools teach the arts shifts with the new Arts Standards. The previous Visual and Performing Arts standards had a focus on content. The newly adopted Arts Standards are grounded in arts processes with anchor standards based on these processes. This represents a significant shift…
3.  Media Arts now stands alone. Media arts was not considered its own VAPA discipline previously…. That has changed…
4. Prevent unintended consequences. While instructional frameworks are advisory, most schools abide by frameworks to the letter, and the language in a framework can have far-reaching consequences….
5. Advocate for more arts education. The Arts Framework is not just for those who teach the arts in the classroom…The document directly addresses how to implement robust arts education in schools to further educational goals and positive school climate.

Summer’s in the air! Do you have an aspiring dance-maker in your family, or a young child who loves to move? Whether you’re looking for a brand new dance experience or continuing your dance study, Luna has a dance camp for you. Check out our Mini Camp, Luna Kids Camps & Teen Choreography Workshops here.

We’re offering a new workshop to help artist educators strengthen their advocacy voices and sharpen their leadership skills. Take your Practice to the Next Level: Advocate for What you Need combines other workshops we’ve offered before – Communicating the Value of Dance, Proposal Writing, Advocacy & Action – and will support you to envision and articulate what you need to help you and your dance program grow. Join us May 12, 1:30-5pm. More info & registration here.

Summer Institute alum? You can take this workshop for free when you’ve paid your $25 PL User Fee! Get in touch with Jochelle jperena@lunadanceinstitute.org to reserve your spot.

In our 25 years, Luna has worked with hundreds of teachers who we’re now proud to say are teaching all around the globe. From Emily Blossom to Jakey Toor, our Professional Learning community members are collectively and cumulatively teaching tens of thousands of children. This year we’ll share their stories, one each week, about how they continue to positively impact the dance education field, the future, the world. Read about these inspiring educators here.

The faculty at Luna are thrilled and honored to be featured in this month’s Dance Teacher Magazine and to be celebrating 25 years. Claudia Bauer wrote a beautiful article capturing Luna’s essence. DTM1702_CV1r1
DTM1702_LunaDance

To celebrate our Silver anniversary, Luna will share 25 stories of our past from children-now-adults, staff, artists, teachers, and clients. Story of the week can be found here.

On November 4, Nancy Ng, Luna’s Director of Community Engagement was one of seven community arts education leaders honored with the National Guild’s Milestone Certificate of Appreciation for her long-standing, exceptional service to the field at the Guild’s Arts Education Conference in Chicago, IL. The Milestone program recognizes national leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing community arts education for more than 20 years and comes at a pivotal moment for Luna Dance Institute as the organization celebrates 25 years in March.

Ng is on the professional learning faculty at Luna where she facilitates professional development workshops and mentors and coaches teaching artists, teachers, and social service workers committed to dance education as a way to strengthen communities. She is a co-founder of MPACT (Moving Parents and Children Together), Luna’s nationally recognized program for families in the child welfare system.

Click here to read more about Ng’s honor and the full press release.

We are pleased to announce the selection of six experienced dance educators to participate in this year’s Dance Leadership Institute. Funded by the Clarence E. Heller Foundation, leaders work to strengthen skills to move the field forward. Read their bios today and check back in to note their progress throughout the year.

Luna Dance Institute brings high-quality dance education to over 20,000 children each year with support from our generous funders. Thank you to the Louis L. Borick Foundation, First 5 of Alameda County, CA Arts Council, Alameda County Art Commission, Safeway Foundation, and the Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation for backing our Professional Learning, School and Community Alliances, Moving Parents and Children Together (MPACT), and Early Childhood Education programs.

Click here to see a full list of past and current funders.

This month, the first Luna Dance Education Leadership cohort completed individualized projects understand and leverage their spheres of influence, increase confidence, develop effective communication skills and jump at responsibility with integrity. Read about their journey here.