Community Arts Partner

Teaching Approach

Teaching Philosophy + Approach

Through Franchesska's own cultural knowledge, awareness and capabilities as an intercultural dance educator and teacher she fosters, in others, individual educators these same skills and knowledge base; as well as self-confidence and optimism to do this critical work. A variety of collaborative experiences may be developed for partnering with teachers. One philosophy is strategizing closely with classroom teachers in terms of planning, implementation and collaborating including an assessment plan the teacher, too, is comfortable with. Franchesska shares topics, materials, resources, experiential exercises and follow up applications of dance for future teaching opportunities. Franchesska focuses upon the knowledge and skill, in the medium, of dance, rhythm as well as the culturally competent understanding of the teacher's expression in West African dance and mores; corresponding to student's discovery and clarifying of their individual voices, experiences and points of view in the medium. Franchesska informs the teacher of the necessary resources needed such as: Movement/Performance Space, DVD/CD Player, Journaling Notebooks for extended residencies, Bolts of Fabric for simple Improvisational African dress for community performance. The school will surely possess Video documentation to share, exchange, engage and inspire with fellow students to reflect, infuse self and the community with tremendous pride.

Curriculum Integration Possibilities

During Franchesska Berry’s introduction to West African Dance and Culture—Student learners are greeted in the languages of Wolof and French. Western students are immediately transformed into international intercultural students We will discuss exactly where West Africa is, its peoples and the cosmology. Students will be guided into choreography through a demonstration by Franchesska and the traditional rhythms and music of West Africa. It would be customary to introduce the other artistic discipline and subject areas Franchesska has lead integrated residencies includes "Improvisational Theater" where students are introduced to The Improv Mindset: Complete acceptance of their own spontaneity, while committing to utilize everyone's brilliant ideas. The most efficient learning happens when we are comfortable with being uncomfortable. If students embrace, or even entertain these ideas, an understanding of Sense of Self and Empathy will flourish. A Lasting Component of Integrated Curriculum Franchesska implements and hones throughout the residencies include focusing on content and higher level thinking. Franchesska is an avid storyteller (Griot) who believes in the power of Symbolic Imagery and Rhythm. Symbolic Imagery is the sharing of symbolic stories that remain in long term memory. Rhythm is used as Function. Which explains how the function or the Why and How of the story is important. Franchesska believe by sharing real-life experiences of being a lifelong learner and international citizen will encourage lifelong learning and will nurture global studies. Franchesska is always excited to see how students will create and structure their learning around themes, big ideas and meaningful concepts from the indigenous pedagogy shared. By providing connections among various curricular disciplines students are provided opportunities to apply the skills they have learned in hopes of captivating, motivating and providing a deeper understanding of content which accommodates a variety of learning styles/theories (i.e., social learning theory, cooperative learning, intrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy) and multiple intelligence's meaning musical–rhythmic, visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Cultural Arts integrated residencies encourage cross-cultural interest as well as establishing community spirit and cooperation.

Special Skills and Areas of Expertise

Franchesska was the featured cultural teaching artist for several Graduate Series, teacher training's at  "The Broadway YEAR PROGRAM" in Tacoma, WA.

Franchesska Berry provided personal narrative cross-cultural lectures to introduce the National Ballet Du Senegal performances at the University of Washington's Meany World Dance Series Premiere'. The Boeing Corporation’s education/diversity program sponsored Franchesska's education program for at risk youth. Franchesska's At Risk youth dance ensemble toured and perform for their employees and their families at Boeing. Franchesska worked with individuals from a broad range of socioeconomic, educational and cultural backgrounds as a Cultural Arts Instructor at the Langston Hughes Arts Center, Planned Parenthood Checkpoint and in the KC Juvenile Detention Center for the Stars Program. Franchesska co-directed co-choreographed in developing the original and new reprisal touring performance titled: Eleven Days in the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a twelve movement work that marries choreography with spoken word based on deeper research and visits both critical moments and a deeper contextualization of King's work. Franchesska's work in collaboration with Dr. Gordon, and led by playwright Lucas Smiraldo has reach 30,000 youth in a six to eight week touring period. Franchesska earned the distinguished honor of Fulbright Scholar to Cairo, Egypt at the prestigious Academy of Arts as artiste', lecturer, performer and choreographer to the Royal Ballet of Cairo the African and African-American dance she fashioned into a intercultural arts program – international in its reach and value. Franchesska Berry served as Resident Scholar at Cheikh Anta Diop University in                       Dakar, Senegal where she translated and taught a deeper researched Western based curriculum to indigenous students, expatriates, the local community –sons and daughters of diplomats, officials, and international business professionals. She worked closely with faculty/diplomatic officials to ensure an effective and successful Culturally Competent American Civilization’s program.  

Testimonials from Schools

Michael J. Sander, Director of  the Bethel School District, Art's Education & Curriculum Integration. Office:  (253)683.6957 Email: Msandner@bethelsd.org Debbie McGibbon, Director of the Powerful Schools' Extended Learning. Office 206.7222-5543, Email:  dmcgibbon@seattleymca.org Lucas Smiraldo, Tacoma Poet Laureate, Post Associate Director for Education at The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Office: 253.202.3473 Lynda Belt, Arts Are the Answer, Office:  360.483.9032, Email: lyndabelt@yahoo.com artsaretheanswer.com Nate Robinsion, City of Tukwila, Teen Program Specialist, Email: Nate.Robinson@TukwilaWA.gov, Office 206.768.2828  Direct:  206.767.2317