An excellent blog post by Gary Stager summarizes the many benefits to learning inherent in the study of art, dance, music, and drama.

Recently, while teaching a class of 5-12 year-olds in a disadvantaged school, one kindergartener told me she wanted to be a ballerina when she grew up. I asked, "Do you take lessons or attend classes?" She replied, "I don’t need lessons.’ The teacher in me required that I respond by saying, "Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take lessons and practice if you want to become good at something." It was at that point that she got very cross, looked me straight in the eye and pointed a finger between my eyes and said, "School does not teach ballerina!"

I could not help but appreciate the powers of observation inherent in that confident and stern assertion. Indeed, school does not teach ballerina. Perhaps it should. Research, anecdotal evidence and common sense suggest that rich arts experiences are good for learning everything else.

Do read the whole thing.

The Times Herald-Record reports on preparations for the NFA's Second Annual Dancing With the Teachers Night.

The teachers also get the experience of stepping back into the student role where they don't have all the answers, dance teacher Mandy Clifford said. And judging from the atmosphere at school, many seem to be playing the role of model pupils. In most hallways this week, music emanated from behind partially closed doorways.

Excellent!