Adam Battelstein is an actor, dancer, choreographer extraordinaire noted by the New York Times for his “comic genius” and called “a master clown disguised as a dancer.” He has toured nationally and internationally with companies such as Pilobolus and Momix. He is a Master Teaching Artist for the state of Connecticut and has been involved in educational outreach around the United States for many years.
Here what the educators are saying about Adam’s programs:
October 13, 2009-Pomfret Community School - “Today’s assembly program, LOCO Motion, dealing with the principles of force and motion through dance and creative movement, was outstanding! I have seen many performances through the years attempting to demonstrate scientific principles through music and dance. Many have been pedantic, lacking artistic mastery. Others have been brilliant works of art but lacked the cohesive connection between the art of the performance and the science being demonstrated. Today’s performance was artfully done, focused on several clearly defined scientific principles and kept the attention of our students throughout. They were able to soak in the science while watching the fine art of dance. Thank you for an ingenious presentation.” Sincerely, Sally Rogers Music Specialist and Enrichment Coordinator Pomfret Community School
A teacher from the Chester school wrote in regards to LOCO*MOTION: “This was the best ‘Science’ program I have ever experienced! I wish they could have stayed longer!”
Another teacher from the Killingworth school told us that LOCO*MOTION was the best cultural program they’ve ever had.
John B. Sliney PTO Cultural Arts Coordinator said, “Dear Adam: WOW!!! I’m still thinking about “LocoMotion.”
“On behalf of the PTA, I would like to express my sincere thanks for presenting this inspiring performance to the students of John B. Sliney School. Both my sons want me to tell you how great they thought the performances were. My fourth grader said all the kids in his class kept talking about the Segway dance. His favorite performance was Carrie’s dance on the wheel and he also liked the bicycle wheel demonstration showing how a gyroscope works. My first-grader loved the “Moon in the Bucket” dance with the balloons.”
“With the enactment of “No Child Left Behind,” I’m seeing less done with science in the schools, not to mention less time with art. Your performance melded science and art so well, and you could see the enthusiasm in the kids’ eyes as they watched you and Carrie perform. This show should bebooked at every school in Connecticut! This show is a “must-see” and I will do my best to pass the word on to every establishment I know. Thank you again for sharing your art with us”.
After a performance at Wren Hollow School in St Louis, teachers stated, “I thought the program was very good and the dancers excellent. Using the students to direct the pieces was very interactive and interesting. Asking students to make up the story encouraged critical thinking” Another teacher wrote, “I can refer back to your program experience when I teach my kindergarten children how to write a story from the beginning to the end.”
“You and your partner were an interesting duo of fabulous dancers. You were fun to watch and you taught us lots about locomotion with your act. We really enjoyed you coming and you inspired us to become dancers just like you!” (From Gideon Welles students)
NOTE: Scheduled dates may need to be changed due to artists’ international touring schedule
Storeography (Grades K- 12)
Storeography connects dance and language arts in a way that sweeps audiences off their feet. The structure of story is revealed as the audience is guided to construct meaning from inherent clues such as costumes, music, props and the emotions and actions of characters. Concepts common to both dance and language arts such as: plot, character development and subtext are demonstrated in a progression of fun and accessible dance vignettes. Length: 45 – 60 minutes
LocoMotion (Grades K-12)
Learn about the elements of locomotion, from friction to balance and stability, through the art of dance. See the Newton’s principals of momentum and inertia illustrated in a non quantitative method. Experience balance and discover facts about the inner ear and gyroscopes by watching this group make dance using a Segway on the stage!!! Length: 45 Minutes
View YouTube video: Loco*Motion
Foodtastic Choices (Grades K-6) NEW!!!
We are what we eat and drink. Now more than ever students need to learn that food can help or hurt and that it is their choice!. What they choose to eat and choose not to eat and their level of physical activity can help determine their future. We cover the basics of the most recent research into what kids need to eat and to do to be healthy and what they need to avoid. This show uses dance, humor and interactive scenarios to give kids the information they need to make the right choices. Dancers use strength, balance and coordination to achieve their art form and this is integral to our message that healthy choices make healthy people. Length: 45 Minutes
Single Performance: $1,005
Back to Back Performances: $1,315
MOVING KIDS TO LEARN Workshop and Residency
Join with Adam in connecting to and teaching your choice of curriculum topics. Students will learn the basics of choreography as they transform the subjects they are studying into movement and then into dances. This unique method of physicalizing the curriculum has no limits and can literally turn the most difficult concepts into fun and expressive dances. Enrich your curriculum through a kinesthetic hands-on approach featuring improvisation and collaboration that will have your students researching topics, learning sequences, and demonstrating their knowledge in an engaging format.
Examples of workshops and residencies include:
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The Water Cycle
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Colonial America
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Ocean Studies
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Native American Studies
CCT FUNDING AVAILABLE
Curriculum Links: Dance, Science, Music, Physical, Education, Theatre, Language Arts
Study Guide – LOCOMOTION
Study Guide – Storeography
Young Audiences Arts for Learning Connecticut: Our mission is to integrate the arts into the lives of children in educational and community settings. Our vision for Connecticut is that all children realize their potential through the arts; that the arts are valued for their ability to improve our schools and communities; that, by participation in the arts, children come to understand and value themselves, their neighbors, and the world cultures they share.
We are an Affiliate of VSA arts… an international nonprofit organization that is creating a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.
We offer educational classroom workshops, school cultural programs, school arts programs, assembly programs, arts integration programs, artist in residence programs – bringing theater, music, drama, puppetry, visual arts, drawing, painting, history and cultural arts to the classroom.