THIS PROGRAM SERVES STUDENTS IN PRE-K4 THROUGH 2ND GRADE
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Our EduMoves™ program uses kinesthetic learning rooted in dance to provide an effective and engaging approach to teaching curricular concepts that classroom educators have identified as especially challenging for students. The program’s goal is to increase comprehension in core classroom curricula and essential skills in English Language Arts and Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies for each grade level from Pre-K4 through 2nd, as well as to develop problem-solving and critical thinking, increase kinesthetic awareness and physical development, and improve social-emotional skills including mindfulness, collaboration, and self-care.
The structure of each weekly lesson includes a dance/movement-based warm-up and a yoga/mindfulness cool-down activity that bookend one academic learning module per 45-minute class period. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a primary focus during all lessons. The academic learning modules address high priority Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) identified by schools and explore concepts from different disciplines using dance as the vehicle for learning. Academic elements align with TEKS standards and also align chronologically with Austin ISD’s YPGs for each of the grade levels served. Dance elements for the warm-up activities align with the National Core Arts Standards in Dance. Yoga and mindfulness practices utilized for the cool down activities meet SEL Competencies.
Ballet Austin’s EduMoves™ program currently serves Blackshear Fine Arts Academy, Bryker Woods, Casey, Ortega, Pleasant Hill, and Wooten Elementary Schools in the Austin Independent School District. EduMoves™ has also served students during special events at Austin Achieve Elementary School and Zavala Elementary in AISD.
INFO AT-A-GLANCE
- Curricula designed for Pre-K4 through Grade 2
- Lessons are aligned with learning standards, competencies, and guidelines in:
- ELAR, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Dance and Movement
- Yoga
- Mindfulness
- Schools can choose campus-based residencies of 6 to 30 weeks
- Sliding scale rates based on % economically disadvantaged students and grant availability
MEET THE EduMoves™ TEAM
PEI-SAN BROWN
Director of Education
KATHLEEN ROCKEFELLER
Associate Director of Education
SAM ROSAS-MANTILLA
Education Assistant
REBECCA TULIS
EduMoves™ Teaching Artist
MCKENZIE CHEN
EduMoves™ Teaching Artist
NAKIA WHITAKER
EduMoves™ Teaching Artist
Director of Education
- Ph.D. coursework completed in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Early Childhood Education, The University of Texas at Austin
- M.A., Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Early Childhood Education, The University of Texas at Austin
- B.A., Dance Pedagogy, University of California at Irvine
- B.S., Biological Sciences, University of California at Irvine
- Kumu Hula (or “Hula Master”) equivalent to a graduate degree in the study of Hula
Associate Director of Education
- M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, The University of Texas at Austin
- B.S., Elementary Education and Teaching, Louisiana State University
- School Principal Certification, Texas Education Agency
- Certified EC-6, Texas Education Agency
- Certified ESL, Texas Education Agency
- Former Elementary School Teacher, Del Valle ISD – Kindergarten, First Grade, Fifth Grade
- Former Instructional Coach at Del Valle ISD
- Former Instructional Coach at BetterLesson
Education Assistant
- B.F.A, Dance Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
- Minor in Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
- Certified Dance Instructor Grades K-12, Texas Education Agency
EduMoves™ Teaching Artist
- M.S.S.W., Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
- B.A., Psychology, Creighton University
- Former Principal Dancer and Assistant Ballet Mistress, Anglian Ballet (Bury St Edmunds, England)
- Former LEAD Program Dance Instructor, Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary School (Del Valle ISD)
EduMoves™ Teaching Artist
- M.A., Dance Education, Hunter College
- B.F.A., Dance, University of North Texas
- American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 3
- Graduate of The Foundations of Dance Education from the Dance Education Laboratory at the 92nd St Y
- Currently a Faculty Member with the Ballet Austin Academy’s Young Children’s Division
- Former K-12 Certified Full-Time Dance Specialist, New York City Department of Education
- Former Teaching Artist, New York City Ballet
- Former Lincoln Center Scholar and Recipient of the Excellence in Dance Education Award
- Former Teaching Artist, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services Arts and Literacy Program, New York City
EduMoves™ Teaching Artist
- A.A., Dance, Tyler Junior College
- Studied Dance and Dance Education, Texas State University
- Former Ballet Teacher, Stepping Stone School, Tyler
- Former Dancer, Orchesis Dance Company
- Choreographer and Dance Fitness Instructor
- Assistant Teacher, Child Development Center’s CREW Afterschool Program
BOOKING INFORMATION
For more information about having the program at your school, or for underwriting/sponsorship opportunities, please email Pei-San Brown or call 512.476.9151 ext. 178.
