The I AM ART experience came alive at Opal House Summer 25 through rhythm, movement, and uncontainable joy—thanks to a powerful dance workshop led by volunteers Renata Delgado, Lucy Hernández, Jadon Baggett, and Amy Martinez.
Our 1st and 2nd grade artists discovered that movement is more than motion—it’s a way to speak truth, strength, and beauty with our whole selves.
Their little feet and open hearts reminded us: Our bodies can tell stories, too.
Expression Through Movement (and Monsters!)
Throughout the week, the children learned a fun, energetic choreography filled with personality and flair. But this wasn’t just about dance steps.
They also created monster t-shirts, each one bursting with color and creativity—reflecting their playful, brave, and silly sides. The classroom pulsed with music, laughter, and the steady beat of kids learning to move together as one.
A Beautiful Shift: Dancing Blindfolded
On Conflict Day, the challenge took a bold turn:
Each child was invited to dance blindfolded.
At first, hesitation.
“What if I trip?”
“What if someone laughs?”
But then—freedom.
Without the fear of being watched, the children moved with surprising confidence and joy. The blindfolds didn’t hold them back—they helped them let go.
In the unseen space, their light shone even brighter.
A Performance Filled with Purpose
At the final Art Show, the young dancers performed in front of friends and family. There were smiles. There were tears. There were cheers loud enough to shake the room.
The beauty wasn’t in perfect choreography—it was in pure, unfiltered pride.
These children had come to embrace who they are through the process.
Gratitude + Truth
Special thanks to Lucy Hernández, Renata Delgado, Jadon Baggett, and Amy Martinez for their incredible support, encouragement, and heart throughout the week.
And to every child who stepped out in courage—
You are art.
I AM ART.
I am free to move, to express, to shine.
Even when I can’t see the way forward,
There is beauty in the journey.
