Music, movement, rhythm and lots of smiles resounded throughout JAE School as over 150 students, parents/guardians, family members, teachers and administrators came together to participate in a joyful evening of family folk dancing on March 26. The special event provided the opportunity for students to bring their parents and guardians to school, where together they participated in several folk dances. Some of the dances were activities that the students learned in music classes while others were new for everyone. This one-hour celebration of music and dance included seven different folk dances led by JAE music teacher and Rocky Point Elementary Music Department Chairperson Mr. Craig Knapp.
 
This multigenerational experience builds an appreciation of the process of music making - parents dancing with their children and all involved in the sharing of wonderful community spirit. It’s a real social and neighborly event and it is the together that matters. Parents and schools are partners. When we can play together, we build the trust needed to work together. Traditional folk dancing promotes building of community, teamwork, discipline, respect and following instructions. Folk dance has links with many other subjects, including history, literacy, art, music and physical education. The students, families and staff members enjoyed the event, learning valuable social skills as well as developing coordination and building confidence.
 
“This is one of my favorite occasions as it provides the families a bit of a bird’s eye view as to the types of activities their children enjoy in weekly music classes,” Mr. Knapp said. “Neuroscience suggests that we are neurologically wired to connect with others. When people dance together, pathways in their brain light up to mirror the emotions and behaviors that the other person is feeling. Humans are hardwired to interact and connect with others. Teachable moments do not always have to happen in the music classroom. It is my hope that by exploring beyond the limits of the music classroom, I have contributed to creating an experience that has engaged and influenced not only my students, but also our greater school community. Bringing everyone together in such a welcoming way is the essence of creating a positive school climate. The best part of this event is hearing the laughter and seeing the endless sea of smiles on the faces of everyone involved.”
 
A joint message from Mr. Knapp and Rocky Point Music Department co-chairperson Ms. Amy Schecher read, “A big thank you to JAE Principal Mrs. Greening for supporting this event and for attending with her family. It is our hope that this annual event provided a fun and educationally sound opportunity for families to connect on a joyful level while helping to create very special and long-lasting memories for the students and parents of the Rocky Point community. Thank you to the Rocky Point administrators and Board of Education for supporting these forms of community music events.”

]