School Residencies


Kate has taught dance in schools since 1982.

Lessons are based on the concepts of space, time, force and body and may include folk dance, simple or complex choreographic projects.

Because dance is an excellent way to understand content in all areas of learning, Kate also leads movement explorations that teach core curriculum: science, language arts, math or social studies.

Kate includes a brain-compatible warm up in her lessons, so that students can benefit from the profound effects of better brain organization for overall learning.

One Day Workshop

Up to six classes. Combined classes by consent. Prefer gym or multipurpose room to classroom. Preschool–Grade 8. Based on Brain Bop, dance concepts or curriculum integration.

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One - Three Week Residency

More coverage or more content than a one day workshop. Number of contact times dependent on size of the school. Multiple sites optional.

Example: The "Simple Machines and M.E." curriculum is a one-week residency that focuses on one specific science topic and one specific grade level. Each day, third grade students explore a different area of the curriculum for 60 minutes using movement, music, rhythm, and rhyme. Activities are reinforce through writing and drawing prompts in a special journal.

here's what teachers are saying...

This curriculum was EXCELLENT. It reinforced everything that we taught in the unit. Students LOVED seeing the simple machines acted out physically.

Teacher/Grade 3
Booker T. Washington, Champaign

The students have become more engaged and motivated to learn about Simple Machines. They have a deeper understanding of the different machines and their functions.

Teacher, Grade 3
Dr. Howard, Champaign

Other ideas

  • Science: Water and Weather, Structures
  • Social Studies: American History, Illinois History
  • Language Arts: Dance A Story, Dance A Poem
  • Language Arts: Focus, Organization, Elaboration
  • Math: Geometry
  • Arts: The History of Contemporary Dance
Thank you for teaching our class weather. I like it when we was gas. My favorite cloud was cirrus.
Tyler Dickey/Grade 2
Westview School, Champaign 2005
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One Week Intensive

One or more groups devote the entire week to the creation and production of an original dance/drama based on some area of the curriculum. Some themes Kuper has explored in previous years include Genetics and Cloning, Ecology, American History, The Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and the Solar System. Original, live music provided by composer/percussionist Rocky Maffit makes the final performance an unforgettable experience for students and audience alike.

here's what teachers are saying...

Thanks so much for a great residency. I'm glad this kind of thing exists. It has the potential to change the way people think about education.
Ellen Evans, Middle School Band Teacher
Bensenville, IL

One Month Residency

Three to four days a week, for four weeks, Kuper comes to your site to create dances with students that either emphasize elements of the art form or are based on areas of the curriculum. An opening assembly, teacher workshop, family program, and culminating assembly of student dances round out this exciting month.

here's what teachers are saying...

My students look forward to Kate's time with them. Their work with Kate is fun! But her lessons are so well-organized, her manner so professional, and her language so appropriate, that my students understand immediately that this is not play time – that they are expected to pay attention and work. They soon learn that if they do their part, they will be rewarded with accomplishment and insight.

Linda Kimmel, Teacher/Grade 4
Bottenfield Elementary School
Champaign, Illinois

...and parents


I'm glad the students got a chance to experience learning an academic subject through a non-traditional style of learning. My child talked about how she was able to feel like she was a part of the Underground Railroad. It was great that all the students in the school could experience learning in the same way.
Meadowbrook Elementary
Forrest, Illinois 2001
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Two - Three Month Residency

A more in-depth program, possibly working at two sites simultaneously, that allows select groups to do more developed creative and choreographic work.

All workshops and residencies are developed in consultation with Kate. Fees include plan and travel time and may also include supplies and guest artist.

here's what teachers are saying...

I loved watching kids who struggle in other areas having a chance to shine. I loved different kids being given the chance to be leaders. I loved the pride the children had in themselves and the art that they created. It was beautiful.

Tiffany Clark, Teacher/Grades 3 & 4
Leal School, Urbana, Illinois 2005

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