We know you’re aware that The Straz does amazing things on our stages and in our classrooms. But, did you know that we go into the community and provide even more amazing programs for our arts education partners? We want to show you a very special behind-the-scenes story about a pioneering dance class that donors […]
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My name is Siomara Bridges-Mata. I’m a dance instructor for the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center. I love what I do at The Straz, and I’m honored to take dance into the community for kids who might not have the opportunity otherwise. I started dancing at six years old, motivated by what I saw […]
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A little bit exchange program, a little bit Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a little bit theater boot camp and a lot of laughs – that describes the remarkable new program launched by Patel Conservatory’s Acting Director of Community Engagement and Education Programs Alice Santana and theater instructor Matt Belopavlovich. Inspired by Hillsborough County Schools’ PEERS program, […]
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On the far side of the indoor basketball court, a line of wobbly-kneed elementary school kids stomps through a sequence of shuffle-step, shuffle-step with their dance teacher clapping time. Their shiny, tiny tap shoes clobber the gymnasium with sounds, their faces an endearing mix of intense concentration and unadulterated joy. Out of context, this line […]
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“I’m Amanda, and my movement is this!” A young woman with long brown hair and a big smile circles her arms.
Their teacher, Patel Conservatory theater education faculty member Sarah Berland, her dark curls bouncing, laughs along with the group, pushing them gently during this theater game to try something new, to express themselves in a different way, to make sure they are following instructions.
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