As an organization centered around children's freedom, we were devastated by the Uvalde school shooting last month. How do we continue after such tragedy? How do we show up for teaching? How do embrace the summer? How do we cultivate joy? What do we do with all that we're feeling? We do what we've always done - we dance. We dance with all that is in our hearts, we dance for our children, we dance for ourselves. Need a poetic invocation to call you back to hope? Enjoy Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes's "We Were Made for These Times". Here's an excerpt:
"One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times. The light of the soul throws sparks, can send up flares, builds signal fires, causes proper matters to catch fire. To display the lantern of soul in shadowy times like these - to be fierce and to show mercy toward others; both are acts of immense bravery and greatest necessity."
Need a soundtrack to get you into your body? Check out our birthday picnic playlist. Dance it out and show your soul.
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Got questions about how to think about next year? Or about how to navigate uncertain teaching terrains? Need a pep-talk or moral support as you create curriculum? Luna's here for you!
Sign up for one of our free phone consults this summer and talk to a Luna faculty member for individualized support!
Tuesday, June 21
Tuesday, July 26
Tuesday, August 30
3:30-6pm Pacific
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Inspired summer reading, listening, watching |
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Free/low cost resources to get you thinking and creating - by Luna teaching artists! |
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Luna's podcast elevates the stories of dance educators through conversation. Our newest episode brings together maker educator Paula Mitchell and dance teaching artists Alisa Rasera and Heather Stockton to chat about the inclusive and community-based dance program they helped develop at Grass Valley Elementary, in partnership with Luna.
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Luna article library
Luna teaching artists write as part of our research and reflection process, and to advocate for children and our field. Check out our online article archive that dives into topics like early childhood dance, family dance, liberatory teaching practices, and more, and let it spark your own inquiry.
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Written by Luna's founder Patricia Reedy, this 2nd ed. handbook includes reflection prompts, lesson ideas, theoretical rationale, and expanded sections on human development, Laban movement principles, and Universal Design for Learning. Perfect for dreaming up new approaches to your teaching and for reconnecting with your teaching values.
$34 plus tax & shipping/handling
just a few copies left at this price
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Curious about how a creative dance class you've experienced in a Luna workshop might play out with kids? Or what a dance educator does when something doesn't go to plan? Watch a Luna teaching artist lead a class through exploration, improvisation, composition, performance, and response, and hear her reflect on the process as she sparks the creative rigor of these choreographers-in-the-making. Follow along with the accompanying lesson plan. Each 20-30 minute video is under $2 for a 1-week viewing.
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What's moving us: Cult of Pedagogy |
There's a lot in this article, "Why So Many Teachers Are Leaving, and Why Others Stay", that echoes what we've heard from dance and classroom educators these past few years. It's essential to amplify these practitioner stories to understand the experiences of teachers and students, and find ways to better support them - and change the field. Are you leaving or staying? What changes do you need to see to stay?
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In the community: Mix & Mingle |
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In the community: hiring notices |
Fellow dance teaching artists and administrators have recently shared exciting new openings in their communities: San Francisco Unified, Berkeley Unified and Oakland Unified are all looking for dance educators. We're excited to see more dance educators employed by school districts. Check out the postings!
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Local dancing we're excited about |
With performances and dance festivals returning, there's lots to see. Here are a few from our Professional Learning community:
June 10-11 Luna teaching artist Heather Stockton & Luna alum Aiano Nakagawa show their dance film, Go Big or Go Home, on the big screen. Details here.
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Support the longevity of dance educators. Donate here.
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