Step off the map and into motion! In this high-energy, immersive arts session, students take a kinetic journey around the globe—exploring diverse cultures, languages, and traditions through the universal power of dance, music, rhythm, and storytelling. Rather than just studying a map or memorizing vocabulary, in this session students embody the concepts. They will move through global dance forms, practice world language phrases through rhythmic call-and-response, analyze how geography shapes cultural expression, and collaborate on original movement pieces that honor global traditions. With a dash of folklore, history, and prop work added to the mix, this session is rich in options and opportunities. Prepare for a lesson with cross-curricular connections between Social Studies, World Languages, Geography, and Global Studies standards that also fosters empathy, cultural awareness, and creative collaboration. This session can be tailored to align with specific world regions, language immersion units, or school-wide multicultural celebrations, so please check in with the artist if you would like to customize. Available in English & Spanish.
TEACHING ARTIST SESSION
Rhythm & World Culture: Bringing Language and Geography to Life (5-12)
Paula Calderon has pursued studies and certifications in illustration techniques, costume production, dance pedagogy, history and creative movement for children. Participation in intensive workshops at venues that include Steps on Broadway, the Broadway Dance Center, the Miami City Ballet, and the Millennium Dance Studio have solidified her reputation and guided her stage costume design business. In addition, annual summer trips with students and colleagues to national and international events have enhanced her understanding of stage performances, backstage operations, musical theater, set design, lighting, and the dancer’s role.
Paula draws her inspiration from the richness of everyday life, the vibrant Latin culture that shaped her upbringing, and the visual beauty of natural landscapes. Her creative influences include Disney shows, Hollywood films, European ballets, musicals, whimsical doodles, and surrealism inspired by nature. She seamlessly blends real-life flora and fauna with fantastical elements, creating a unique fusion of the familiar and the imaginative.
After getting married and becoming a mother, Paula’s creative horizons expanded to North America, where her broad artistic profile keeps evolving. Paula brings multicultural and social value to her community, fostering a deeper sense of connection and inclusion in her work with performers, directors, and generations of students in Lafayette, her new home.
