Watch Friday, October 9, 2015 at 10pm on WMHT TV
When talking about arts in schools, we usually think of visual arts like painting, photography or drawing. Each of these has had a long history in public education, but it is rare for schools to have a dance program. While it’s difficult to make a definitive connection between academic performance and arts studies, parents, educators and researchers have observed that studying dance boosts self-confidence, self-esteem, sense of identity, and helps children to develop an understanding of how to navigate the world as adults.
The hour-long film PS DANCE! will examine the impact dance education programs have on the body, mind and hearts of children and teens in New York City public schools.
Hosted by veteran television journalist Paula Zahn, PS DANCE! features interviews with students and teachers from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens including Catherine Gallant, P.S. 89 Liberty School, Ana Nery Fragoso, P.S. 315 of Performing Arts, Michael Kerr, New Voices School of Academic & Creative Arts MS443, Patricia Dye, Science Skills Center High School for Science, Technology and Creative Arts and Ani Udovicki, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. Joan Finkelstein, former Director of Dance for the New York City Department of Education is also among the film’s interviewees.
After the initial broadcast, the full film will be available for online streaming at THIRTEEN.org/specials.
PS DANCE! is a production of Nel Shelby Productions in association with the Fund for Public Schools and NYC Department of Education.
Nel Shelby is producer and director. Loren R. Robertson is editor.
Funding for PS DANCE! has been provided by Jody and John Arnhold and The Arnhold Foundation.
To learn more about PS DANCE! visit psdancenyc.com.
