Third-grade students at Brass City Charter School in Waterbury, CT, kicked off the new year with Pilobolus’s MOVIN’ program taught by Education Director Emily Kent.

MOVIN’ is one of Pilobolus’s longest running youth development programs, providing an opportunity for elementary, middle, and high school students to learn about communication, collaboration, and self-awareness through movement.

“When we first told the students that they were going to be taking a dance class they were all like, “Oh no!” I think especially some of the boys were feeling a little intimidated, maybe they thought they were going to do ballet…but once they realized that it was something that everybody can take part in and everybody can move, they were so excited,” shared, Miranda Malizia, a third-grade teacher at Brass City Charter School.

Artistic Director Matt Kent & Education Director Emily Kent outside of Brass City Charter School following the MOVIN’ recital.

During the seven-week program, Pilobolus fostered a space where students could unleash their potential, learn the value of teamwork, and celebrate their individuality and creativity. “I think a lot of students, in class especially, are told to sit and don’t move,” explained Malizia, “so [MOVIN’] gives them freedom and a place where they can creatively move. A lot of students that are sometimes even afraid to speak up…there’s no talking involved. They’re allowed to move freely and express themselves and once they see their friends joining in, they get excited and want to move, too.”

From laughter-filled group activities to a celebratory final showcase performance, MOVIN’’ empowers students to take ownership of their ideas and express themselves with confidence. Malizia observed that the impact extends beyond the classroom: “They have a lot of fun. They go home talking about it. They want to move and try those moves at recess time and so not only in the dance class itself but throughout the school day as well.”

Pilobolus’s time at Brass City Charter School culminated with an in-school performance on February 28. Students demonstrated to their peers how they can collaborate and problem solve with both improvisational and choreographed movement.

“I think if [MOVIN’] is recommended for your school, I think you should definitely take part in it. I think it allowed our students to take risks and take chances not only in this setting but in their academic work as well,” said Malizia. “It really built their confidence these last couple of weeks and I highly recommend that all kids have a chance to create, to move their bodies, and have a chance to be creative in their own way.”

If you’d like to bring MOVIN’ to your school or community, reach out to Emily Kent at ekent@pilobolus.org.