Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, October 29, 2010

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Fourth- and fifth-graders at Maxwell Elementary spent a week learning West African dances, drumming and other arts.

An expert in West African rhythm and movement brought a high-energy program to Maxwell Spanish Immersion Magnet School, impressing the kids with her style and stamina.

“She pushes you a lot,” said fifth-grader Immanuel Bowie, whom she picked to portray the tribal chief in the week-ending performance.

“She taught us how to be respectful and appreciate African dance,” added fourth-grader Kate Margolies.

Yolantha Harrison-Pace, the 2020 Vision visiting artist, spent a five-day residency at Maxwell, teaching dances, drumming and call-and-response techniques during the specials hour.

“I want them to learn that other cultures are magnificent and they can identify with the diversity we have as Americans,” she said.

Her program emphasized embracing what is in common, respecting what others’ lives are like, stretching one’s body, and understanding how other cultures use movement in ceremonies and rituals. 

Pace said the youngsters picked up new concepts quickly and really got a flavor of what it’s like to step into African culture. She also praised the teachers, who prepared students by covering the basic elements of dance, by reviewing related vocabulary such as tempo and energy force, and by exploring other countries, their art and their traditions.

“They come ahead of the game,” she said of the Maxwell kids. “They’re ready and on target and focused.”

If students were distracted, Pace readily corralled them. With a gym full of fourth- and fifth-graders, she ran the final rehearsal like a precision-demanding drill sergeant – albeit it a colorful, forgiving one.

“She really grabs their attention,” said music teacher Lydia Wainright, who arranged for Pace’s return engagement. “Through her processing, teaching and conditioning exercises, they’ll be very proud of what they have learned. It gives them such a rich experience.”

In preparation for their time with Pace, fourth-graders made rain sticks out of cardboard tubes, aluminum foil, rice and beans; and fifth-graders designed stamped squares of West African symbols, which were stitched together for the showcase.

“For the banners, each symbol meant something different, like praise or good will,” Immanuel explained. 

Gloria Arteaga-Hinton, who teaches Spanish Cultural Arts, noted how well Pace connected with the children all week – for instance, selecting music that the kids knew to create the rhythms for the West African ritual dance.

“There are so many things incorporated,” she said. “As a teacher, I’m amazed at what she’s doing.”