Announcements

Welcoming Moriah Costa to the Luna teaching artist team

Luna is thrilled to expand our team by welcoming teaching artist Moriah Costa. A Bay Area choreographer, performer and educator, Moriah’s creative and teaching inquiries investigate identity and belonging, and are sparked by a spirit of curiosity. “There is always something new to uncover when it comes to the way we move and interact with the world around us,” she explains.

“Moriah’s joyful enthusiasm for teaching is matched by her quest for learning and self-reflection,” shares Director of Programs Jochelle Pereña. “It’s this combination that really aligns with Luna’s values, and excites me as we develop dance partnerships in the community.”

Moriah brings her love of connection and play to Luna’s newest partnerships with Kaiser Early Childhood Center, where she teaches weekly dance classes in all classrooms, and at Berkeley Unified School District, where she’s helping to build a dance program at Franklin, King and Hopkins Preschools over the next two years. Accessibility and inclusion is core to both of these partnerships, and Moriah teaches in special ed, inclusion, and general ed classrooms so that all children can engage with dance.

You can meet and dance with Moriah at our free Pop-up Family Dance classes, and at our upcoming Renovation Celebration, November 11.

Take Action

Dance educator position at De Anza High School, Richmond, CA

Our friends at De Anza High School are seeking a dance educator for the 2023-24 year and beyond! Check out the job posting:

High School dance position, De Anza High School in Richmond, CA

Currently 0.67 FTE (4 classes), encompassing three levels of dance courses (Jazz Dance 1, Jazz Dance 2, Dance Production).

De Anza’s dance program strives to create well-rounded dancers, with equal emphasis on technique, traditional dance forms, and creative work / composition. The ideal candidate would have experience in one or more culturally-specific traditional dance forms; jazz dance including its history as an African-American social dance, and modern dance and/or ballet; and be comfortable with teaching the principles of choreography through improvisation.

Requirements / Qualifications:
Must currently possess a Single Subject Dance Credential (or PE Credential if issued prior to 2022). Must also be qualified to administer the California Physical Fitness Tests – if a candidate does not hold a PE credential, must pass the CSET for PE.

Specific Responsibilities:
– Teach three levels of dance courses, including Jazz Dance 1, Jazz Dance 2, and Dance Production.
– Plan classes to achieve a balanced study of concert dance technique, traditional and vernacular dance forms, and creative work / composition.
– Collaborate with colleagues in the Visual and Performing Arts department to plan and co-direct department-wide arts events including the Fall VAPA Showcase.
– Plan and direct Spring Dance Production concert.
– Organize casting and rehearsal schedule for student-choreographed dances for Spring Dance Production concert.
– Choreograph teacher-led dances for fall and spring Dance Production performances.
– Assist in locker room supervision and collaborate with PE department colleagues.

Reach out to Avilee Goodwin to express interest, agoodwin@anyways.com

Take Action

Pledge in support of The Declaration of Student Rights

CreateCA is gathering pledges to fight for every student’s right to access a comprehensive arts education, as mandated by the California Education Code. Students have already gone too long without the creative curriculum they deserve.

Take the arts education pledge! By signing the pledge you are stating that you believe in and stand for the principles outlined in The Declaration of Student Rights.

Join and sign here!

Announcements

New Episode Drop – The Dance Inquiry Podcast’s episode about our partnership with Grass Valley Elementary Part 2

Maker educator and Luna alum Paula Mitchell joins The Dance Inquiry Podcast to tell the story of the dance program at Luna’s partner school Grass Valley Elementary. This is Part 2 of the conversation, focusing on how dance supports the culture of community, inclusion, belonging, and making at Grass Valley.  Listen here.

Explore
Podcast Episodes

Episode 4: Grass Valley Elementary – How is dance an integral part of inclusive education? Part 2

Part 2 of our conversation with maker educator Paula Mitchell about the inclusive and community-based dance program at Grass Valley Elementary, and about how dance aligns with Grass Valley’s maker school identity. Recorded April 29, 2022.

Since recording this episode, Grass Valley’s closure has been halted by the Oakland school board. Read more here.

LISTEN

transcription coming soon

With guest:

Paula+Mitchell

Paula Mitchell

Paula is a 20+ year veteran Oakland public school teacher who has been crafting, designing and making since she was a little girl. As a Teacher on Special Assignment (TSA) for Project Based Learning/Maker Education at Grass Valley Elementary she is able to bring more hands-on, minds-on learning to the community she loves through their MakerSpace program, which she developed. Paula is Co-Director of Agency by Design Oakland. and a Luna Summer Institute alum ’12.