PGIA Dance Showcase Wows Entire School

Students in Pre-DP and DP dance classes put on a energizing Dance Showcase to display the dances and in some cases props and costumes they have been working on all semester. The entire VIMSIA community came together on Friday March 13th, to support their fellow classmates and students. After the show one staff member said that, “All the performances  were amazing and they  became more incredible with each age level. It was truly inspirational and showed us all how life is a celebration regardless of circumstances.” The entire audience was absolutely delighted and wowed by what they saw on stage.

A recording of the performance can be found here!

And we invite you to be wowed as well.

9th and 10th Graders perform the Salsa to - Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony

Diploma Programme dancers perform the Greek Karagauna

Spring Magic Dance Recital - Truly Magic!

Ms. Helen's 16th Annual Spring Magic Performing Arts Production was another success! This year Ms. Helen's dance classes were joined by Ms. Mary's tap & jazz & Ms. Mary Christensen's musical theater class. Vocalists and a magician also joined in on the program. The performers were remarkable!! VIMSIA has so much talent.

DANCING INTO BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Wednesday afternoon was a Black History celebration through music and dance!

Lower Elementary teacher Jessica Di Franceso, students Lilly Tulk, Erica Simcic, Natasha Webster and Morgan Tolud participate in a traditional basket dance with Mama Azia. 

 "The Echo People" vocalist and drummer, Ital Anthony explaining Moko jumbies to an assembly of children.

Students Lilly Tulk, Patricia Cannon, Erica Simcic, Morgan Tolud and Evelyn Wilson wait for instructions from Mama Azia.

Taste the Nations Performances

Kudos to the PGIA students on their performances Saturday at Taste the Nations.  And a very special shoutout and thank-you to their Arts teachers, Ms. Helen Sidiropolous and Ms. Jana Ferguson for their support and guidance along the way.    Great job everyone!

DP Dancers - Workshop on the Royal Caribbean with Cast of Mama Mia!

Ms. Helen Sidiropoulos and he DP Dancers partook in an educational tour & dance workshop with the cast of Mama Mia on the Royal Caribbean Allure Cruise Ship. Our students learned part of the original choreography of the finale piece of Mama Mia and performed it on the Amber Stage on the Allure Ship this past Wednesday. This was all made possible by Harbour Pilot Captain John Amaro & the production staff of the Allure Cruise Ship. It was truly an unforgettable experience and our students were very inspired and grateful to have the opportunity to perform with professional dancers!

Dance at VIMSIA Gets Rave Reviews!

Marissa and Maia

Ms. Helen Sidiropoulos just sent me a link from St. Thomas Source.  This is a great write-up on our dance program at VIMSIA.  Check it out!

@School: Montessori Dance Programs Choreograph Success

Spring Magic Recital - Brava, Bravo, Bravi!

The Spring Magic Production: a Celebration of Music and Dance was a true success. Ballerinas, tap dancers and jazz dancers dazzled the crowd.  Piano players also performed melodiously and were a wonderful addition to this year's celebration. 

Our programs begin in September and continue through May.  The students meet once a week to learn a specific dance genre and work towards creating a showcase at the end of the year to share their newfound skills.  

We have an amazing group of talented performing artists sharing their gifts with our VIMSIA youth.  A special thank you to our instructors: Jessica Alvarado, Mary Capellas, Katie Zaytoun, Luba Dolgopolsky and Artistic Director Helen Sidiropoulos for putting this magical production together. The instructors would also like to thank all administrative staff for supporting the programs, teachers and students throughout the school year.  It takes a village!

DP Dance TEachers' Workshop

IB DP Dance Teachers Workshop

“The DP Dance Workshop was an amazing experience. I was able to network with 25 dancers from all over the country. I am so excited to share best practices with our entire IB family.”

— Ms. Helen

DP Dancers Exceed World Average Assessment Scores

The "DP Dancers" are PGIA Diploma Program students that have chosen to take High Level Dance as one of their three high level options for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. 

Every year, DP students around the world are assessed both internally and by external international examiners. Student results are determined by performance against set standards, such that student results truly reflect their abilities relative to their peers globally, not just at their school.

For DP Dance, the students are assessed on performances, dance investigations and choreographies.  For the second year in a row, under the direction of Ms. Helen Sidiropoulos, these students have exceeded the world average!  

So, here on our tiny little island in the Caribbean Sea, our students' achievements are exceeding those of their peers in places like the U.K., Switzerland and Japan.

Kudos to Ms. Helen and the DP Dancers!