Wednesday, September 23 2020

Dear PNBS students and families,

The School year has begun and while we usually mark this occasion with sounds
of excited students crowding hallways and the highly anticipated first parent
watch day; this year is quite different. Despite restrictions, we are moving
ahead with education and dialogue.

 

Today, as I walked the halls of the Phelps Center, I heard
young men speaking via Zoom with new faculty member Ikolo Griffin. They
discussed the challenges of double tours en l’air, while a younger set spoke to
Jonathan Porretta about new steps and new combinations. Circuit training,
pointe, variations, choreography, pre-pointe and modern were being broadcast
from every studio in Seattle and in Bellevue as hundreds of students resumed
their study of dance. Thank you for your patience as we explore the safest
practices and best technology applications for students, families, faculty and
staff.

One of our Professional Division students has approached us about starting an
affinity group for Black, Brown, Biracial, and Multiracial students and their
families. We are wholeheartedly behind this idea and invite all students and
parents who would like to participate in this affinity group to join us. PNB
consultant and diversity strategist Theresa Ruth Howard will facilitate first
discussions. Student-led and PNBS supported, School leadership will participate
and engage with this group on a regular basis in order to  listen to
feedback and support the creation of safe spaces for students and families of
color.

PNBS is also open to the introduction of other affinity groups, and understand
that our approach to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive PNB has many
intersections. If you have an idea for another student-led affinity group,
please contact Denise Bolstad at pnbschool@pnb.org.

 

We find ourselves living in an
altered world, and though we may not all be able to enter a studio at this time
or experience in-person instruction, PNBS is exploring every opportunity to
invite our students and families to be an integral part of how we shape our
future.  I hope you will join us as we move forward and embark on a new
year and a new era for our School.

Sincerely,

Peter Boal and Denise Bolstad

 

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Posted by PNB School
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