This past fall Aidan told us he was chosen with several other students in his class to participate in a program called Citydance sponsored by Boston Ballet.

The program was for ten weeks beginning in January.  Each week the students would take a bus to Boston Ballet’s studio.  They would change into their ballet uniforms and have two classes with Boston Ballet staff- a ballet class and an enrichment class.  Some of the enrichment classes included square dance, Chinese dance and Haitian dance to name a few. Aidan loved the week he learned more about the teaching assistants and “behind the scenes.”  He also loved that live music was played for the classes.

When we went to the Parent Orientation we were so impressed with the program- completely free to families.  This is the 22nd season of City Dance and about 300 third graders from BPS participated.  We also had an opportunity to see about midway through the session how the class was going a Family Week.  It was amazing to see!  It was amazingly well organized, respectful of the children and inclusive of all.  We were so proud of Aidan.  Boston Ballet also invited families to a performance- we went to see Cinderella.  The boys really liked it.

This week was the last week and I got to attend graduation.  Aidan did great.  He didn’t always love it- it was challenging, some of the children not going teased a bit and it was out of his comfort zone- but he stuck to it and tried something new.  Students have the choice of continuing for another 5 weeks (still free).  He says he is done but has an appreciation for dance more than before.

(Grandparents at Family Day)

What I loved about the whole experience is how much it spoke to his school’s values- challenging yourself, appreciating the arts and collaborating.  It certainly spoke to the mission of Boston Ballet- being in the community.

I know it is something he will not forget and we are so appreciative he had such an amazing opportunity.

(With friends at Boston Ballet’s Cinderella)