How LBC and Parsons Dance “schooled” local students and teachers in the art of dance

LBC’s Education and Community Engagement (ECE) makes sure that the young people in our community experience art in all the ways that can benefit body, mind, and spirit. From music and drama to dance and visual art, our arts education programs create opportunities for us to work with artists who want to do the same. Last month, Parsons Dance really stepped it up for Sonoma County students and teachers.

One of our Rodney Strong Dance Series performances, Parsons Dance is internationally renowned for creating and performing contemporary American dance in an energized, athletic, and joyous style. Their bold ensemble work and movement has solidified them as one of the world’s leading dance companies.

In the audience during the Parsons Dance main performance, 12 local teachers participated in ECE’s Teachers Experiencing Art Meetup (TEAM), which brings educators together to enjoy art, network, learn more about our programs, and share their experiences. They met for refreshments and fellowship in the “teachers’ lounge” prior to the show and stayed to participate in the post-show discussion.

Pre- and post-show discussions give audiences the chance to learn more about the artists, their art, and their art journeys. Parsons Dance delighted patrons and our TEAM teachers with a post-show discussion led by the dance company’s co-founder, David Parsons, a choreographer and former dancer. He was joined by other Parsons dancers.

Earlier that day and in partnership with Santa Rosa Junior College, Parsons Dance artists held a master class for aspiring student dancers. The participants had an opportunity to work with the professional dancers to gain knowledge, inspiration, and hands-on learning experiences.

Parsons Dance also performed a matinee school show for a theater full of thrilled local 7th – 12th graders. Two weeks prior to the school performance, teachers could access ECE’s Set the Stage study guide to lead their students, many who have never been to the theater, in a lesson on Parsons Dance Company, the art of dance, and theater etiquette. After the show, Parsons dancers answered students’ questions about everything from “How did you become a professional dancer?” to “How can I become a professional dancer?”