This American Folk Music and Dance Residency is mostly taught in California schools. You may contact Evo for schools in other states.
The folk music and dance residency is a highly effective community building tool for primary and secondary levels, utilizing time-honored traditions: dances, songs, folklore and history. Included in every activity is Evo’s commitment to teaching courtesy and cooperation.
Students gain important social tools while developing spatial/motor skills, getting a healthy workout, and having lots of fun. The week culminates with a Barn Dance for students and parents on Friday night–an excellent opportunity for students and their families to have a meaningful event with faculty and staff.
After teaching all week, Evo calls and fiddles for the all school “barn dance.”
Activities may include: Appalachian Clogging, African-American Ring Games Mexican/Early California Dances, Virginia Reel, Waltz, Circle Dances, New England Contra Dances, American Square Dances, English Country Dances, Clapping Polyrhythms.
“You are learning some fun dances that are part of our history as Americans and part of our culture as human beings. You are also learning a way of behaving with other people which has to do with courtesy. Courtesy is something you have to practice. It means that you use it on the dance floor and you take it with you everywhere, for the rest of your life.” –Evo Bluestein
Promoting social and emotional health. Connecting with people creates empathy.
Kindergarten to upper grade students enjoy the “barn dance.”
