“My students greatly enjoyed your program and I did see beneficial changes in my students. One example is that I have two students who consistently had problems with each other since the beginning of the year. One day in dance, you unknowingly paired them as partners. While they were not thrilled about it, they danced together, practicing the rule of courtesy. Later that day, I overhead one of the students gently correct the other student during a class activity and the other student graciously accepted the help. I do not believe this interaction would have occurred prior to dance class. Thank you for bringing music, dance, joy, and the opportunity to directly teach social skills to our students.” Teacher, Edison Bethune School, Fresno CA
“As always, your weeks here were just awesome! We have had so many comments from parents as well as the kids on how much they enjoyed the Barn Dance. I think this year’s event was the best one yet. Thanks again for giving our kids such a rewarding, enjoyable, life-giving experience” Barbara McNamer, Teacher, Las Juntas Elementary School, Martinez, CA
“I want to thank you again for such a fantastic week of folk dancing! I don’t know what could top this, so I am calling this the highlight of our school year.” David Warken, Principal, Ukiah, CA
“I just got an email from the PTA parent who books all the assemblies, shows, etc. and she asked if we could just make your dance week an annual event and a new tradition at Mariemont. Of course I said yes because I can only see the kids getting better and better at this as the years progress (and the teachers too).”
Linda Dismukes, Principal, Mariemont Elementary School, Sacramento, CA
“My kids have been TOTALLY enjoying it and began dancing with each other last night, showing off all that they learned. I love that they are getting this experience. It is fabulous”
Cecily Ruttenberg, parent, Gateway Private School, Santa Cruz, CA
“This has been such a meaningful experience for our students. It was amazing to see the transformation of the 5th and 6th graders from disdainful, belligerent social contact to purposeful, enjoyable work through dance and music. Huge accolades to you for your talent and your teaching. We look forward to next year. What a thrill to see so many students learning, laughing and having fun. I honor your life’s work and encourage you to keep at it. You are making a wonderful difference in the lives of children as well as teachers.”
Terry Marinaro, Vice Principal, Del Mar Elementary School, Fresno, CA
“I just wanted to thank you for the week of dance you provided for us. My little fourth graders really did look forward to it and I was pleasantly surprised by one hard core case I had who really opened up to the dancing. It was wonderful to see him show a spark of interest in something.”
Carl Aamodt, 4th grade Teacher Del Paso Manor Elementary, Scaramento, CA
“I know that exposing students to music and dance enhances their school experience and brings joy to their lives. I thank you again, for sharing your gifts with our students. Lots of very positive changes are happening at Tarpey, and your dance week is one of them.” Jerry Grieco, Teacher, Tarpey Elementary School, Clovis, CA
“You are avery talented teacher because you exude warmth, kindness, and fun. The kids love you.”
Linda Guerrero, Teacher, Wilson Elementary School, Fresno, CA
“Everyone had a blast Friday night at the barn dance. Teachers, parents and students were extremely complimentary about how much the students learned and how excited they were to be able to show what they learned. Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication.” Cheryl Spetrino, Principal, Carl Hankey Elementary, Mission Viejo, CA
“My friend and I had such a wonderful time dancing last night. I felt such a joyous spirit coming from everyone! It was so much fun being taught dance steps by 4th and 5th graders (and you). I laughed when one of the students said to me, “I think you’re FINALLY getting the hang of it!” I loved every smile, all the sweat, the music and the marvelous essence of community. How impressive that you could teach so many students all those dances in such a short amount of time. What a gifted teacher you are! Thank you for a remarkable evening.” Shivon Lavely, Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School, Exeter, CA
“The students were thrilled! Music and dance, the universal language ties all cultures together as one. Best yet, having professional teachers to teach it right. Our leader should be highly commended for bringing such an awesome program!”
Carolyn Patterson, McKinnon Elementary School, Salinas, CA
“It was quite a night and I think that the grins on people’s faces told it best. The kids were so proud of themselves and it was truly a packed event!”
Donna Yokomizo, Principal, Hidden Hills Elementary School, San Ramon, CA
“We would like to thank you again for bringing the Folk Music/Dance Program to Del Rio School. The children loved it, to say the least. The teachers loved it. If not for presentations like yours, dance and music may be lost in the schools. It takes people like you to rekindle the happiness that music and dance bring. From personal experience, 19 years of teaching, I have NEVER enjoyed a guest teacher as much as you. The Arts committee hopes that our PTC will find the funds to have you back next year.” Teacher, Del Rio Elementary School, Bakersfield, CA
“This fit in very well with our social studies area in 5th grade – American History and the variety of people that have contributed to our country. The sequence the dances were taught made it possible to learn five dances in five days!” Linda Judd, Teacher, Buena Vista Elementary School, Walnut Creek, CA
“All groups, K-6, enjoyed Mr. Bluestein’s training. Students take a bit of Mr. Bluestein’s perspective, make it their own, and put it to immediate practice. All schools should have this residency.”
F. Cogan, Teacher, John Wash Elementary School, Fresno, CA
“I was amazed at Mr. Bluestein’s ability to keep the students focused and controlled for an hour. Also at how fast they learned the Virginia Reel. The students loved the rhythm, songs and dancing–they loved it all!” Carol Lovell, Teacher (2nd grade) Del Rio Elementary School, Bakersfield, CA
“I really liked the fact that each group learned different dances and songs, then they were brought together to see each other Friday. The explanations of the origins of songs and dances were interesting and meaningful to my students. It sparked discussion in class. I eagerly look forward to another wonderful week next year.”
D. Burns, Teacher, Del Mar Elementary School, Fresno, CA
Student Comments
I was wondering how long did you do this job because you are really good.
Thank you for teaching me how to be courteous, polite and confident while dancing. I loved dancing with you.
You are a great dancing teacher. I can’t wait for 4th and 5th grade.
I was scared to dance with a boy but at the end of the day I was over it.
Thank you for teaching us the three C’s (courtesy, cooperation and concentration).
Everybody thought a boy and girl would be girlfriend and boyfriend if they danced. Now everybody is over it and it is easy and fun.
Thank you for being nice and not mean. Now I know how to talk with my eyes and not my mouth. I bet your mom and dad were smart for teaching you how to be polite and sweet. I have never danced with a boy before. Now I know how to not be so mean to a boy when I dance with him.
I hope you come back every year! At first I was real scared about dancing in public but now I can’t wait for your classes! I wish you came every day so I could learn more awesome dances. I hope everyone loves dance as much as me and you. I love folk dancing now. You are a big part of my life!
I like that you are fun to everyone.
You did an amazing job teaching all of your dances. I think folk dancing is awesome.
Thank you for teaching us dances. Also for showing us that there are more things to do, not just be on your electronics.
This week was the best week I ever had.
I never knew folkdance could be fun because everything I do is just play on my phone. If we had a choice to learn another dance, I think I would want to.
This week has been a blast. You have taught us many dances and also to be respectful to everyone no matter who it is. I am very thankful.
Thank you so much for showing us the importance of getting up and actually doing something. Thank you so much!
Thank you for teaching us folk songs and dances. I will be sure to pass it down from generation to generation.
I learned a lot over the past few days. It was hard but fun. I’ve learned how to act at a dance now.
