QC Online: Peter and the Wolf at Horace Mann

     Through a generous grant provided by the Illinois Arts Council, an entire Rock Island elementary school Horace Mann Choice (3530 38th Avenue, Rock Island 793-5928) has been able to participate in a three-week ballet residency with Ballet Quad Cities titled “Dance for Life.” 
 
     “Dance for Life” unites art and music instruction with dance for a complete experience in the arts. Since the residency began, the students have been immersed in the music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, participated in puppet-making art classes, read several fairy tales, and lastly, enjoyed a performance of Peter and the Wolf performed by Ballet Quad Cities’ dancers with students from Horace Mann. The Horace Mann Education Committee and Ballet Quad Cities developed the innovative project.

     During the residency, a core group of students have been working with the Ballet Quad Cities’ dancers after school for more intense instruction. The students who have been learning the elaborate choreography will dance alongside the professional ballet company in a short rendition of Peter and the Wolf for a final performance on Wednesday, May 20th at 12:15 p.m. in the Horace Mann gymnasium. The puppets created in the art classes will also be on display.

     ”We feel that the arts and in particular, dance, is infinitely appealing to children because it is one of the most expressive and accessible of art forms that also incorporates physical education," said grant coordinator and Horace Mann parent Kathy Lelonek.

     This is the second year that the school has received a grant from the Illinois Arts Council for a residency program.