We're dancing in the schools!

SCHOOL OUTREACH | Ana Sokolović’s music reached new and diverse audiences this autumn as our project ‘Si j’étais…’ continues to evolve. In partnership with Emmanuelle Lizère (Le Vivier), Marc Boivin (dancer), and l’École montréalaise, we made multiple visits to four schools across Montreal, performing music and dance, and guiding the students to write their own pieces inspired by Commedia dell‘arte characters. In-school workshops are the only way for them to have a "cultural outing" right now, and the students were completely on board!

COVID restrictions meant that there was no sharing of instruments, no physical contact, and no public performance of the student pieces. Nevertheless, we explored using movement, body percussion, onomatopoeias, and song. The children's creativity was limitless and after a series of 5 workshops they enthusiastically offered their music and dance creations. We saw the sparkle in their eyes, their feeling of accomplishment, and how they surpassed their own expectations. Even the most recalcitrant were happy to participate in the development of a mini show, and by the end many asked when we could return to their school. Mission accomplished!