Alberta Ballet has partnered with Medicine Hat’s George A. Davison Elementary School since 2023. Our outreach teacher is on site for six weeks each spring with movement program for grades 1 - 4, meeting the dance segment of the Alberta Education Phys. Ed. Curriculum.
When Alberta Ballet’s Outreach Teacher, Emily Tench, reflects on student engagement, she is struck by the growth in just six weeks.
Students start the session with nervous uncertain movements.
“By the end,” said Emily, “they’re moving with confidence, coordination and pride.”
Tricia Unreiner, principal of George A. Davison, reinforces this, and in particular of the lasting impact the program had for one shy student:
We had a little girl in a grade 2 last year who struggled with anxiety and a lack of confidence. She would seek out quiet breaks in the hallway and would sometimes refuse to be in the classroom. We tried numerous strategies to help her feel comfortable.
During the Alberta Ballet program, I observed this same little girl smiling, moving and collaborating with her peers.
It was amazing to see her confidence grow along with her ability to work alongside her peers. Not only did she complete grade two successfully: engaging in classroom activities and no longer struggling to be with peers. She also began our 2025/26 school year with confidence and a growth mindset.
We’re so excited to see her ready to take on challenges. Thank you Alberta Ballet!
Keep this Story Going:
Your gift funds six-week school residencies—outreach teacher time, travel, classroom-ready music, and planning with educators—so more students learn to move with confidence and coordination with their peers.