Arts Council of the North Valley

Brings Arts to the Schools

On May 13, 2011, two hundred and fifty students from Cactus High School and Foothills Arts Academy participated in a full day residency of Puerto Rican culture and folkloric dance sponsored by the Arts Council of the North Valley.

Showcased for the residency was Grupo Folklorico I'Naru, a professional company that provides unique and authentic native Puerto Rican dance presentations and master classes. They instructed the students on the rich cultural history of Puerto Rico and its influences on music and dance. Combining the island's native sounds and distinctive African-rooted music and dance forms, the group performed the Bomba and the Plena.

High school dance and seventh grade dance students enthusiastically attended the master classes. "We are working on being diverse dancers, so they really enjoyed it," said Danielle Angieri, Cactus High School Dance Teacher. Attending student comments ranged from "it increased my understanding of the Puerto Rican culture' to "that was so fun".

"Arts Council of the North Valley is an organization dedicated to bringing arts enrichments programs into the schools as well as recognizing and rewarding students for their dedication to the arts." said Holly Matson, ACNV Executive Director.

On hand to watch the budding relationship between the students and the artists was Donna Kublin, ACNV founder. "What a magical experience to watch the light bulbs go on as students learned the history and culture through the art of dance and music."