September 12, 2023

Artists-in-Schools 2023-24 Season

Photo featuring Gaspard dancer leading students

We are so excited to announce our 2023-24 Artists-in-Schools season–our ninth!

We know the arts save lives, so we’re thrilled to continue bringing professional teaching artists into Chatham County classrooms! For the past eight years, our Artists-in-Schools Initiative has been growing, and we’re proud to bring our first traditional middle school residency to Chatham Middle this season.

Our goal is to be in every public school in Chatham County every single year. When we get there, we’ll be the first county in all of North Carolina to do it!

Photo of Black Box Dance Theatre's Stephen leading Virginia Cross students — Steven of Black Box Dance Theatre leads students in choreography they created.

SEPTEMBER
• Blackspace at Chatham Middle School
Sept.21-Oct. 6 with a student showcase at Shakori Hills Grassroots Music and Dance Festival on Oct. 7
• Gaspard&Dancers at Silk Hope School
Sept. 27-29

OCTOBER
• Phillip Shabazz at Perry Harrison Elementary
Oct. 9-13
• Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana at Moncure School
Oct. 23-25

NOVEMBER
• Mike Wiley Productions at Bennett School
Nov. 27-29
• Mike Wiley Productions at Bonlee School
Nov. 27-Dec. 1

DECEMBER
• Black Box Dance Theatre at Pittsboro Elementary
Dec. 13-15

Photo of young girl, wearing a face mask "sneaky walking" with Mike Wiley in performance of One Noble Journey — Mike Wiley presents his play One Noble Journey with a student assist.

JANUARY
• Phillip Shabazz at North Chatham Elementary
Jan. 8-12

FEBRUARY
• Black Box Dance Theatre at JS Waters
Feb. 5-16
• Diali Cissokho at Siler City Elementary
Feb. 26-Mar. 1

MARCH
• The Magic of African Rhythm at Chatham Grove Elementary
Mar. 19-21

Female and male students dance in front of other students who are playing the drums. — Students dance with abandon during a Diali Cissokho drum circle.

APRIL
• ClydeFEST
(weekend of April 12-14)
• Diali Cissokho at Virginia Cross Elementary
Apr. 22-26

Related

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Don’t take it from us! See what Chatham County students, teachers and administrators are saying about their Artists-in-Schools experiences.

“Children were so excited to write and to share. They all came away talking about writing and wanting to talk about poetry. They looked forward to his [Phillip Shabazz] visits each day.” –Classroom Teacher
“It felt relieving and comforting to express myself during the workshop.” –6th grade student
“I really liked showing my feelings in my work.” –4th grade student
“This is my 4th time in this school division participating with an artist residency. They have all been wonderful. It is a great opportunity for students to learn in different ways. My hope is for this to be available to us every year.” –Classroom teacher
“It made me feel happy because I got to use my imagination.” –5th grade student
“It felt good for me to release all my emotions.” –5th grade student
“The students talked about the experience for a week after.” –Classroom teacher
“Watching the kids put their plan into action for the performance and actually dance, all while doing so in front of their peers is the reason we do this…The experience was amazing!” –Elementary Assistant Principal
“I have a student that is a newcomer to our school, as well as to our country. She found great comfort in being able to communicate with instructors in her native language and showed such enthusiasm in her willingness to participate. It was beautiful. We would welcome the opportunity again in the future!” –K-8 Principal
“It felt good to be myself in school.” –6th grade student
“I personally saw students who, in my experience, have never been willing to speak in a group, let alone dance, do both without fear or hesitation. Students who participated have asked to join band – they want to have more opportunities to participate in music. Students in subsequent meetings have asked to learn more about Senegalese cultures.” –K-8 Music teacher
“It felt like the best days ever.” –5th grade student