With support from the California Arts Council, CONGA KIDS will provide our in-school program that aims to promote social emotional wellness through partner-dance at Euclid and Breed Street elementary schools in east Los Angeles County over the 2020-2021 school year. This teaching artist-led 10-week program includes 20 lessons (100 min.of weekly instruction) and a culminating event in which students perform for their school, parents and community in either the fall and spring semesters.
Conga Kids offers the following programs:
1. Our In-School Residency Program provides engaging dance instruction to over 20,000 public school students in the 4th and 5th grades each year. Lessons last one hour and take place during school. Students dance their way from Africa to the Americas, learning how African descendants have impacted dance, music, and culture to create the beloved styles we know today. The 4th Grade Residency Program lasts 10 weeks. The 5th Grade Residency Program lasts 20 weeks, concluding with an event at L.A. Live.
2. Our Discover the Diaspora Assembly is a one-hour, interactive, multi-disciplinary performance that can take place in-school or after school. Assemblies are provided to the entire school and are geared towards elementary students. Our assembly illustrates and celebrates how African dance and music have transformed the Americas.
3. Our Bridge the Generations program fosters intergenerational connections through after-school dance education. Schools participating in the program can opt for one workshop or a set of five. The curriculum offers interactive dance instruction on the rhythm and routines of Merengue and Disco-Funk. Approximately 75% of the children we serve through this program attend with an older adult, such as a grandparent.
4. Our Expanded Learning Program is an after-school dance and music program offered at schools and locations provided by our community partners. Sessions last one hour and take place once per week for 20 weeks or twice per week for 10 weeks. The Expanded Learning Program is centered around a narrative of diasporic dances.
5. Our newest program, Conga Beatz, is designed for middle school students. Conga Beatz promotes social-emotional learning by integrating movement and music with physical education and sports. Classes are offered during the school day over 12 or 20 weeks and are provided by our teaching artists.