Pilobolus’s Impact on Arts Education

At Pilobolus, we’re constantly inspired by the transformative power of dance and creative movement. This year, our education programs have touched the lives of thousands of students, empowering them to explore their potential and build stronger connections with those around them. 

Pilobolus is a Fungus and a student workshop.

Through student-centered performances and immersive in-school residencies, Pilobolus brings the magic of dance to schools nationwide. Our programs emphasize imaginative, self-directed activities that help students develop confidence, creativity, and the essential skills needed to thrive within group settings. If you’ve heard of play-based learning or social-emotional learning, we have been practicing these ideals since we began teaching in the 80s. 

These ideals are now being stewarded under the guidance of Education Director Emily Kent, who has over 25 years of experience in arts education. Emily, alongside our team of dedicated Teaching Artists, creates safe, nurturing environments where students can express themselves freely and learn the value of collaboration. Each session is engaging, inclusive, and impactful, fostering a community where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to express themselves.

The outcomes of our classes are immeasurable. Arts education can have profound effects on students' academic and personal growth. From increased GPAs to improved college enrollment rates and reduced dropout rates, the arts pave the way for brighter futures. Becca Bremer, a third grade teacher at Brass City Charter School in Waterbury, CT, witnessed Pilobolus in action and shared this insight:

"My students learned that working together was the only way to complete the fun tasks, which made them realize teamwork wasn’t as hard as they originally thought. I also noticed that students’ creativity skyrocketed after being in the dance class. They came up with all different ways to complete the challenges instead of trying to copy others."

Stories like this inspire us to expand our impact. This past year, we reached over 6,500 students, sparking moments of creativity and joy across classrooms. In 2025, we aim to reach 7,500 students, helping even more young minds discover their voice, build trust with their peers, and embrace their creative potential.

Without your support, our work wouldn’t be possible. Every gift helps us extend our reach, bring more students into the world of creative expression, and equip them with skills that last a lifetime. By contributing, you become an essential part of our movement, building brighter futures through the power of dance and the arts.

MOVIN’ Ignites Student Confidence and Creativity

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.