Rhythm Runs Through It Residency Celebrated

A Rhythm Runs Through It at Heritage Centers from Young Audiences on Vimeo.

On April 29th, the accomplishments of the students who participated in the Rhythm Runs Through It residency will be showcased in an end of the year celebration for parents and the community. 

A Rhythm Runs Through It is a long-term arts integration program incorporating dance, music, and visual arts for young people throughout the year, in a 33-visit residency at the Heritage Centers After School Program.  A Rhythm Runs Through It includes multi-session residencies with Young Audiences of WNY Teaching Artists — Sarah Hooper, Miriam Minkoff and Jen Russo.  The program builds sequential skills that develop physical coordination, visual communication abilities, and confidence, using rhythm as the unifying element.  As multiple artists introduce participants to their art forms, the program progresses through a variety of skills.

A Rhythm Runs Through It is a unique program because it leverages kinesthetic activities, literacy skills and creative expression to help participants develop comprehensive coordination and communication abilities.  The program uses the arts to apply the findings of current research on how kinesthetic activities enhance brain development, physical and mental coordination, and language processing.

A Rhythm Runs Through It is also unique because of the unusual partnership between an arts organization like Young Audiences of Western New York and a human service agency such as Heritage Centers.  The program provides a learning opportunity for all stakeholders that builds capacity for long-term partnerships between Young Audiences of WNY and special needs educators. The collaborative work that made this residency for special needs students possible will be highlighted in a workshop at our Breaking Down Barriers: 4th Annual Patrica Cotsen Arts Abilities conference on May 11th, 2010.

This program was made possible by the generous support of the Children's Guild Foundation, Inc.  Committed to Children with Special Needs through Research and Rehabilitation, celebrating 100 years of service.

If you would like to join us in recognizing these acheivements, please e-mail us at sunnylee [at] yawny [dot] org or call 881-0917 for more details.