Unlocking the Joy of Dance
Gabriela Rodriguez, a 19-year-old studying Level 6 at New Ballet in San Jose, has a remarkable journey that began in the third grade when she first encountered the magic of ballet. Despite not knowing much about dance initially, she was selected for the New Ballet School’s First Step program, designed to bring the joy of movement to low-income students in the San Jose Unified school district.
The Transformative Power of Dance
For Rodriguez, ballet has been a life-changing experience, teaching her discipline, focus, and the art of stillness. She recalls the first time she watched “Swan Lake” and was mesmerized by the beauty and grace of the performers on stage. Now, after years of dedication and hard work, Rodriguez finds herself twirling across the studio with the grace of a seasoned dancer.
Empowering Young Minds
The First Step program at New Ballet shines a light on the love of movement for children in local Title 1 schools, offering scholarships that provide free ballet classes, leotards, and footwear to approximately 50 students each year. Many of these children, like Rodriguez, are recommended by their elementary school teachers, highlighting the impact of arts education on young minds.
The Vision of New Ballet
Founder Dalia Rawson believes that dance is a universal language that should be accessible to all, not just a privileged few. By focusing on nurturing passion and creativity in young dancers, New Ballet aims to spread the transformative power of arts education, especially in a time when physical activity and engagement are crucial for children’s development.
As Rodriguez prepares to take center stage as Clara in “The San Jose Nutcracker,” she dreams of pursuing a career in dance and sharing her love for movement with others, especially those with disabilities. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of dance to uplift the soul and inspire individuals to chase their passion, regardless of their background or circumstances.