Princeton, NJ. December 9—Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania (YA) was recently featured in the WHYY series, “Creativity Sparks Success,” which explores the impact of creativity on student learning and success.

Representatives from WHYY visited Washington Avenue School in Pleasantville, NJ, for a workshop led by YA teaching artist Ben Barnes of Hip Hop Fundamentals. The workshop is part of a national initiative called R.A.I.S.E. (Responsive Arts in School Education) that explores in-depth, customized, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive arts in education residencies. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Washington Avenue School is a long-time partner of Young Audiences and received a NJ Governor’s Award in Arts Education in June 2024.

The article highlights the numerous benefits of arts education for students, including emotional and social growth, academic improvements, and self-expression, and highlights how YA’s partnership with talented teaching artists transforms classrooms and students.

“Dance is all about self-expression,” Ben Barnes said as quoted in the article. “It’s how students apply emotion to movement. A lot of kids are carrying trauma they can’t name. Movement gives them a language. When they dance, they process emotion without having to explain it. The rhythm becomes their release. And that kind of self-expression can be transformational for a child who’s used to feeling small or unseen.”

Read the full story here: https://whyy.org/articles/washington-avenue-elementary-new-jersey-arts-program-dance-mural/

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ and Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted over 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

MEDIA CONTACT:

AnnMarie Gervasio

Director of Marketing and PR

Young Audiences Arts for Learning

866-500-9265 ext. 209

agervasio@yanjep.org

yanjep.org