Kidz Connect

Well, the show’s about to start! The dress reheasal was inspiring, really. To see the way these kids have bonded and created something so beautiful - transcending theater, really - is very moving.
If you aren’t here in the theater now, watch it live at www.kidzconnect.org/shows.

Hello All!

– Just want to keep you up on some of the goings on in our day-to-day life here at Kidz Connect! My name is Rachel Bishop, an instructor for this program… I’d love you to check out our blip.tv channel- with awesome KC ‘08 videos!!  go to- http://kidzconnect.blip.tv/  to watch.. and remember, we’ve been at it for 2 weeks now, creating dances, songs, and Kidz Connect Island in Second Life!

So, you’ll want to scroll through all the clips to see last week’s videos too!

Thanks- hope you have a great day! — Rachel B.

While I write this, I’m watching our Kidz Connect teens learn dance moves from The Lion King’s dance captain, Jason Lewis, which is a great example of how all-encompassing this workshop is, and what an amazing experience. Some of our kids don’t consider themselves “dancers” necessarily, but they are learning to dance. Some of our kids don’t really consider themselves “singers” or “actors,” but they are learning it and most importantly, stretching their boundaries and proving to themselves that they can do this.

And while they’re experiencing all this, it’s clear to see they’re gaining confidence and making friends, possibly lifelong friendships. Two of the boys, who before last week had never met, are now writing
music together outside of class. This is creativity in action.

To help them see a professional show up close, and to watch Jason in action, the workshop participants are being treated by TBPAC to see “The Lion King.” Jason plays a hyena, and it will be interesting to hear the students’ reactions after they see the show.

Technology is truly a wonderful thing! You might wonder how much “cultural exchange” can really take place Watching the students in Amsterdam on the computer screen interact with our students in Tampa and “meeting” virtually

Just as moving has been watching our Tampa teens - several of which were inexperienced in and not too confident about dancing and singing - learn dance moves and songs by our awesome choreographers and composers, created just for this program.

What an incredible opportunity for these kids. Makes me wish I were a teenager - well, almost.

Tags: creativity, dance, friendship