Republished from Fox 61, March 18, 2025
The "Justice Dance Performance Project" brings rhythm to public school students in Hartford
Author: Jim Altman
HARTFORD, Conn. — After weeks of hard work, over 200 Hartford students performed dances interpreted from written stories as part of the Justice Dance Performance Project (JDPP).
The JDPP has brought its “Moving Matters!” program to public school students in Hartford for the past three decades. The premise is simple: classes read a book and then teachers and JDPP instructors help them interpret that book into a dance performance. The eight-week program culminates with a dance recital inside Mather Hall at Trinity College.
“It’s remarkable, it’s unique – there is no other program in the country like this one,” said Kathy Borteck Gersten, the director of Moving Matters!
There were 220 second-grade, fourth-grade, and fifth-grade students from the Parkville Community School who were all part of the performance, with parents and staff members watching and cheering on the classes.
Fifth grader Kayra Ingles said, “What I like about this is we can learn new things and dance with our friends.”
“The objective is using the arts as a vehicle for expression and as a vehicle for learning and a vehicle for creative communication.” Bortech Gersten said, and then said, “Everyone just kind of steps up and gives their best.”
To learn more about the Justice Dance Performance Project, click here.