Catherine Charlton, Excutive Director of Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly, Taia Harlos, Artistic Director and Conductor, Musicopia, Marcus Myers, Artistic Director, Musicopia Drumlines, and Swati Chaturvedi, Program Director Dancing Classrooms and Teaching Artist for Musicopia, discussed the cultural programming they offer to middle school students throughout the Philadelphia region. Sponsored by local benefactors and grants, the free programs teach mostly fifth-graders about and how to perform ballroom dancing, ‘Bollywood’ and other multi-cultural dance styles, as well as music appreciation and performance for classical music and instruments and percussion. Designed to promote social graces and inter-personal relationships, physical and emotional growth, self-reliance and self-discipline and cultural awareness, they have continued their work through virtual and Zoom classes. Students receive classes as part of their regular coursework, with the opportunity to advance into dance competitions and formal music lessons, or, with Marcus, join a drumline. With many students underserved in cultural experiences the programs offer a chance to experience and participate in world music forms.
