Expression Through Dance
Roughly around 2:30 PM, when walking towards our school, it's hard not to hear the myriad of voices and steps reverberating throughout our cozy building. Even more so when you’re in the building yourself, no matter what floor you're on. Most of the time, everyone is there, on the first floor, where all the dancing and singing takes place, teachers, students, and all. It’s what we call circle time, a fun, yet integral part of our school curriculum. Kids are naturally more prone to be more curious, and more importantly, here, more energetic than our adult selves. We know it’s important to have a time where all our students can let loose, bring out their energy, all the while engaged in the lesson that is being taught, even if they don’t realize it.
Before the Lesson
Often, always with one of the teachers, Mr. Ricky, he brings out the kids' energy into the singing and dancing lessons we have at Four Leaves International School Tokyo. Called our Circle Time, it's a time where all the students, the older and little kids, get together and head to the 1st floor tatami rooms to start their lessons. Mr. Ricky is there finalizing the videos to get ready, Ms. Asami and Ms. Shizuko are watching over the students as they come in, and Ms. Mimi is sitting with the kids, often the younger ones, surrounding her. Before Circle time officially starts, anyone can see the brightness and excitement they have, doing some light dancing with one another, singing, or even hugging one another. It is through interactions like this that really show how close these students are with one another.
Circle Time
When the class starts, everyone is seated neatly on the tatami, facing the front, where the two medium-sized TV screens and Mr. Ricky are located. Mr. Ricky never fails to greet the class, asking about what they have done with the other teachers, and back at home, already setting the mood to be one of fun and exciting exchanges with one another. Then, after making sure everyone has space, he starts up a short dancing video, and stands up, the students never failing to follow suit. Some of the videos shown are new, some are older. But no matter what, they all dance, with Mr. Ricky in front doing the same, being an in-person model for them. The dances themselves are never too complicated or confusing, and usually consist of running in place, waving, simple arm and hand movements, and small spins here and there. Some may fall or get lost in the steps, but they always stand right back up or quickly orient themselves, laughing as they do so.
Whenever they dance, the room is always filled with laughter and music–showcasing the students really letting loose, but in a way still organized, thanks to Mr. Ricky setting the class up. Even among our shyer students, they never fail to express themselves fully, getting silly, and getting lost in the rhythm. It’s no wonder that Circle Time is one of the strong highlights for the kids every school day, as it's another time filled with play for them.
