Kids Continue to Find a Refuge in Dance
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Here in Westchester and all throughout the country, parents have the ability to enroll their children in an endless variety of activities that bring physical, emotional and cognitive benefits. With so many choices, it can be challenging to narrow down the options they think might be the best fit and offer their children the best combination of enrichment and enjoyment.
In honor of International Dance Day, I encourage all parents to explore the benefits of dance education and its renewed importance in today’s hyper digitally connected world.
International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance established through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It occurs annually on April 29th, the anniversary of the birth of dance pioneer Jean-George Noverre.
Born in France in 1727, Noverre created the foundation of ballet as we know it today, but he never could have predicted the importance of his work among young people navigating 21st century realities.
When ballet students enter the studio here at the JCC Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale, they are greeted by not just their dance teacher, but also an accomplished pianist. This professional’s classical, acoustic accompaniment provides a soothing backdrop to the skillful, gentle, age-appropriate dance instruction, offering a refuge from the sensory overload that has invaded too many child-oriented spaces.
But even beyond ballet, all styles of dance have been shown to relieve stress, improve coordination and flexibility, and – impressively – enhance brain function. By teaching young people to focus on the details of movement, instructors help speed connections in their minds and improve their memorization skills. We’ve seen this first hand with our students enrolled in ballet, tap and hip hop, with parents sharing over and over again how they’ve seen a correlation with their children’s dance training and development.
In addition, children with special needs derive tremendous benefits from dance. For example, those with ADHD routinely experience improvements in their ability to focus. And those with behavioral challenges receive needed structure in the etiquette and rituals inherent in dance: its uniform, the set progression of class warm-ups, and required awareness of dancers’ personal space.
Of course, not all dance programs are the same. For example, many train students for today’s competitive dance circuit, adding a more potent team component as well as the concepts of winning and losing. The JCC Mid-Westchester dance school has intentionally avoided this particular track, instead focusing on the fundamentals of dance and its intrinsic motivations for self-improvement. We teach our students to take pride in their own personal dance accomplishments: the elevation of their jumps, the steadiness of their turns, their ability to connect with the music. And, of course, we want them to have fun!
As a long-time dance educator, nothing gives me a greater sense of pride than seeing my students grow and develop, both within and outside the studio. It drives me to continue advocating for traditional dance instruction as a powerful antidote to the stresses and pressures that, unfortunately, have come to define many children’s and adolescents’ experiences today.
Kristen McGrew is the dance director at the JCC Mid-Westchester in Scarsdale. She has served as a dance instructor since 1995. Previously, she danced with professional companies Eglevsky Ballet, Charleston Ballet Theater, Bravo Dance!, Tennessee Festival Ballet, and Ballet Theater of Pennsylvania; worked as a guest artist throughout the eastern United States; and performed across the country, dancing principal roles in the classics and world premieres.
(Sponsored content from JCCMW)
Our Town: A Documentary About Greenacres On View, Online
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This fountain once bordered the Bronx River ParkwayIt’s been more than 100 years since ground was broken on the first homes in Greenacres and though much has changed, many signs of Scarsdale’s earliest residents remain. Strolling the streets you can find remnants of a gun powder factory across the street from Hitchcock Church, a stone wall that divided Scarsdale and White Plains on Farley Road and even earlier, a sign commemorating the Battle of White Plains in the Revolutionary War that took place on a hill on Mamaroneck Road.
These landmarks and information about the original developers of the neighborhood are detailed in a rich documentary about the history of Greenacres, produced by the Scarsdale Historical Society. The film debuted at the Scarsdale Library on March 15 and is now available for all to see on the Scarsdale Historical Society’s website.
Originally a group of estates, Greenacres was built into a suburban community by developers and families who subdivided their land to create the neighborhoods we now enjoy. Many of the Tudor revivals and Colonial style homes that were constructed by the original builders are still treasured by residents today.
The Bronx River Parkway was completed in 1924.
Also at the time the neighborhood was built, Scarsdale Golf Club was constructed on what was formerly Harte’s Farm in 1922. Early members enjoyed golf, skeet shooting, ice skating and sledding.
The film details a beautiful fountain that once stood in front of a tea house on Fountain Terrace. That fountain remained until 1967 when the county widened the Bronx River Parkway and closed the park.
Perhaps the most enchanting story is one of a 1,380 foot tunnel that was built in 1939 to drain water from the field across from Walworth Avenue to Brite Avenue and down to the Bronx River. If anyone can find the entrance, let us know.
Watch the movie here – no matter what part of town you live in, you’re sure to be amazed at the history of our Village in a park.
The 1,380 foot Greenacres Tunnel
The Sporting Life in Scarsdale: Historic Photos on Display
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Sledding and skiing on the grounds of Scarsdale Golf Club, c. 1930’s. Credit: Scarsdale Golf ClubA new exhibit on display at Scarsdale Library, curated by the Scarsdale Historical Society, documents the development of winter sports in Scarsdale. Using photos from the Westchester County Archives, the Scarsdale Inquirer, Fox Meadow Tennis Club and Scarsdale Golf Club – (who celebrates its 125th anniversary this year), Leslie Chang brings to life the history of platform tennis, ice skating and coasting (sledding) by some of Scarsdale’s earliest residents.
At a reception on Wednesday night March 1 to celebrate the opening of "Scarsdale On Ice," Chang told some captivating stories about the sporting life in Scarsdale.
The earliest reference to skating took place on “Scarsdale Lake,” which was formed when a dam was built in the Bronx River in 1913 that created a lake, just above the current waterfall near Scarsdale Village. Skaters also used the Duck Pond and Greenacres Pond, along with pop-up rinks created by flooding sections of Crossway Field, Hyatt Field and the Brite Avenue Tennis Courts.
Charlie O'Hearn and Jim Hynson play platform tennis at FMTC in 1938. Credit: Fox Meadow Tennis ClubIn 1952 the Recreation Department hosted a pop-up rink by flooding a 75 X 100 foot section of the Brewster Road parking lot at Scarsdale High School. During the holiday break, a reported 3,200 skaters turned out to enjoy the rink, floodlights and music. In 1973 a $500,000 bond proposal was made to build a skating rink the size of Rye Playland near the Scarsdale Pool, but it failed to get sufficient votes.
Joslyn and Sally Magowan trap shooting at the Scarsdale Golf Club in 1928. The sport was once popular during the club's off season. Credit: Magowan - Birdzell FamilyIn the 1920's two skilled ice dancers, James Cogswell and Fessendon Blanchard, taught others at Fox Meadow Tennis Club where the courts were flooded to form a rink. Skaters danced to the accompaniment of Viennese Waltzes and German Polkas that were amplified over the courts. But these two are even more famous for developing the sport of Platform Tennis. In 1928 they built the first court at their home above Ardsley Road and tested different racquets and balls. After losing too many balls that flew down Ardsley Road, they built a chicken wire fence around the court. Eventually they convinced Fox Meadow Tennis Club to build their first platform tennis court in 1931 and the club found that it improved their membership numbers during the winter months. The rest is history!
The Scarsdale Historical Society has produced an engaging exhibit of posters featuring historic photos and stories about winter sports in Scarsdale that is on view to the public at Scarsdale Library. Check out "Scarsdale on Ice," to fully understand how our forbearers left behind the legacy of the sporting life that continues today.
The Board of the Scarsdale HIstorical Society at the opening of "Scarsdale on Ice."
Music Festival Returns to Scarsdale on Saturday June 3, 2023
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On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the Scarsdale Business Alliance (SBA) will host its 3rd Annual Scarsdale Music Festival (SMF), presented by Morgan Stanley. This year’s event will take place rain or shine in Scarsdale Village from 12-7pm and will benefit the Center for Cancer Care at White Plains Hospital.
The SBA is thrilled to announce this year’s line-up of extraordinary talent who will be performing on two main stages throughout the day. Ten bands were chosen through an extensive selection process from over 50 submitted applicants from Scarsdale and the greater Tri-State Area.
● Alex Cano - Scarsdale-based artist with a debut album, “Every Rise of the Sun,” a story of resilience and survivorship and a raw slice of Rock n’ Roll.
● BOMBZR - An original, exciting, and groovin' supergroup on the rise in the NYC music scene, currently working on their debut album with three singles already released and streaming on all platforms.
● Conversing with Oceans - a fully evolved indie rock band based in Westchester looking to their rock past to explore new sounds and musical landscapes. Their debut LP “WILD / DREAMS” is a dedicated rock album at heart, displaying what these four musicians are capable of together.
● Gentlemen of Soul LSM - The top soul and R&B tribute band on the East Coast. A talented, dynamic 3-man vocal group from NYC, accompanied by a 4-piece band bringing Classic and Neo Soul, and R&B music to the stage.
● Rennie Pincus & Friends with Lovelight - Scarsdale-based band whose recent album, DEAL, explores the music of The Grateful Dead and features very special guests Elliot Easton (The Cars), Jack Petruzelli (Joan Osborne), Matt Rae (Arlen Roth), and Annalyse & Ryan.
● Rachel Bochner - Scarsdale native singer-songwriter turning the trials of navigating your twenties into pop music anyone can sing along to. With nearly 100,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and growing, Rachel has created a musical thumbprint that can only be recognized as her own.
● Skyfactor - NYC/Westchester-based band with members from Scarsdale. Their newest album is entitled "A Thousand Sounds," and they’re the band behind the song "OK" from MTV's hit show “Teen Mom.”
● The Del Bocas - A Scarsdale based-band, together for over ten years, see themselves as sort of a "wild jukebox" - with a large repertoire of songs from the 60’s to today.
● The Velcrows - Scarsdale-based band with 16 years together, putting their own spin on playing Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues, and some funky upbeat covers, which crowds will recognize.
We are also excited to welcome one of the winners of the 2023 NYS Music March Madness to our line-up. This annual music showdown competition has been shining a spotlight on talented artists and musicians from across the Empire State.
The Scarsdale Music Festival is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that will bring together people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food, and community. The SBA is thankful to all the 2023 SMF event sponsors for their generous support.
● Presenting Sponsor: Morgan Stanley
● The Live Stages are presented by Advocate Brokerage Corp. with Pure, Houlihan Lawrence & Pepe Auto Group
● The Grand Tasting Zone is presented by Zachy’s & Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
● The Family Fun Zone is presented by Scarsdale Moms
● Platinum sponsors: Compass, M.S. Walker, Spencer East Realty, The UPS Store
● Gold sponsors: Douglas Elliman, Scarsdale Security
● Silver Sponsors: Mark Jessamy Photography, NYS Music, Partyline Rentals, Rudy's Music, Westchester Magazine
The SMF is a free community event, with suggested donation tickets to benefit White Plains Hospital Center for Cancer Care. Tickets will go on sale in April. The SMF food vendor lineup and more details about this year’s expanded Family Fun Zone will be announced soon.
The Scarsdale Music Festival is a not-to-be missed experience! The SBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Village of Scarsdale and its local businesses.
For event information and sponsorship opportunities:www.scarsdalemusicfestival.com
follow us on Instagram and Facebook @scarsdalemusicfestival.
For more information about the Scarsdale Business Alliance: www.scarsdalebusinessalliance.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @scarsdalebusiness.
Baroque and Beyond Music Festival: Hoff-Barthelson’s Celebration of Music
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Baroque and Beyond Music Festival: Hoff-Barthelson’s Celebration of Music composed between 1600-1750
Festival to feature music of great Germanic composers — Bach, Telemann, and Handel — as well as masters from other lands
Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s Baroque and Beyond Music Festival, celebrating music composed between 1600 and 1750, takes place Saturday, March 11, through Sunday, March 19, 2023. The Festival, featuring music of the great Germanic composers – Bach, Telemann, and Handel – as well as masters from other lands, includes student recitals and instrumental and choral ensemble concerts.
Baroque and Beyond is part of the School’s “Festivals in Style” that introduces students to music from specific periods of music. Students enjoy the opportunity for detailed study of period solo and ensemble works and are invited to audition to participate in recitals. “The audition experience, regardless of the outcome, helps students develop positive habits around meeting deadlines, handling pressure, accepting criticism, learning the value of hard work, and sometimes even accepting disappointment—all valuable life skills,” said Ken Cole, Executive Director.
On Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 7:00 pm, student performances will take place at the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains, 468 Rosedale Avenue, White Plains. Ensembles scheduled to perform include the Festival Orchestra (Jun Nakabayashi, director); Suzuki Strings (Barbara Berg, director); Flute Clubs (Donna Elaine and Joseph Piscitelli, directors); Symphonette and Chamber Orchestra (Robert Schwartz, director); Wind Ensemble (Joseph Piscitelli, director); Beginner Voices (Yuki Hiruma Charlesworth, director); and the Adult Handbell Choir (Donna Elaine, director). Admission to these two events is a suggested donation of $20; HBMS students may attend free of charge.
Student recitals are scheduled at the Music School throughout the Festival. Visit the School website – www.hbms.org – for dates and times. These recitals are free of charge and open to the public to attend.
The Baroque and Beyond Festival is made possible, in part, with a grant from the Westchester Community Foundation, a division of The New York Community Foundation. Westchester Community Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people to the causes they care about and invest in transformative ideas and organizations to improve lives and strengthen our community. WCF is a division of The New York Community Trust, one of the largest community foundations in the country, with assets of approximately $2.6 billion.
For Additional Information
For additional information: 914-723-1169, hb@hbms.org, www.hbms.org.
