Some 1,600 Buffalo Public School children were dazzled by the high-energy performance of Neglia Ballet's Baba Yaga. In this Focus on Education report WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says Neglia continues to provide the free performance as part of its "On School Time" program.
For some of the Buffalo school children, who filled the seats inside Shea's Performing Arts Center Friday, it was the first time they were ever exposed to a live ballet performance. The watched with great interest as Sergio Neglia portrays the evil witch in the Russian folk tale -- students filled the seats inside Shea's Performing Arts Center. http://youtu.be/_AgIqjLyNso
Hamlin Park School 74 students Shelby Hollis and Christian Williams were amazed at the dancers talents and movements. "They can really dance," noted Hollis referring to the dancers during an intermission.
"All of them have a lot of talent," said Williams. "I like how they move quickly."
"They're getting the experience of actually coming to see the ballet," said School 74 7th and 8th grade teacher David Paonessa. He actually explained how watching Baba Yaga -- a literary work on stage relates to Common Core.
"We have the seven habits of effective readers and one of the habits is habit form - making inferences," stated Paonessa.
Paonessa noted the performance delivered a positive real life exposure for the students.
Neglia is celebrating its 15th anniversary and for years has provided these performances for Buffalo school children.