Evert Education- Teaching Math Through Movement
Dancing in math class? Euclid’s resident teaching artist Tom Evert says “We need more of it”.
Dance Evert has been a staple of Shore Cultural Centre since 1986- offering world-renowned dance instruction, celebrated choreography services, and innovative performances, influenced by founder Tom Evert’s extensive travels in the world of dance. In recent years, Evert has expanded his dance empire to include his Evert Education division, with the mission of integrating arts into our schools and community.
“Teaching has always been a part of what we do,” said Evert, who is a member of the International Teaching Artists Collective- the first worldwide network of artists who work in community and educational settings. Evert Education has already made a major impact in local classrooms by bringing integrated educational dance programs to Kiddie City, Arbor Elementary, Birchwood School of Hawken, Oliver H. Perry School in Cleveland, and many more.
One of Evert’s most popular dance integrated programs, “Geometry in Motion”, brings the parallel concepts of body and space to elementary-aged students allowing them to problem solve through motion. This innovative program, geared towards students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades, uses kinesthetic learning to help teach geometry concepts like angles, lines, shapes and spatial relations. “Geometry is how we measure our world and our space, so it makes sense to use our bodies to express that,” says Evert, whose cool kindness undoubtedly contributes to his popularity with local students.
Along with learning educational concepts, students participating in integrated arts programs like Evert’s are learning to engage. “The arts open other ways of thinking,” says Evert. “In our programs, it’s hard not to be engaged. Students are learning, having fun, feeling good about themselves and feeling good about coming to school.” Even under the restrictions of the pandemic, Evert Education used virtual programing to keep kids feeling good about learning at home- an experience that proved invaluable during a time when virtual learning posed a challenge for some families.
One of the best parts about Evert Education’s integrated arts programs: they are largely funded by educational arts grants from organizations like Ohio Arts Council, the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. This grant funding means programs are often available AT NO COST to schools and childcare centers that are interested in participating. Any organization interested in hosting an artist in residence or providing an arts-based experience at their school is encouraged to contact Evert Education at 301-529-7684 or info@danceevert.org
More information on any of Dance Evert’s programs and services can be found at www.danceevert.org.
