Letters of Reference from Educators

Dear Ms. Sampson:

I highly recommend David and Dawn Levesque (Dancin’David and Dancin’Dawn of DANCIN TIME) as both performers and teachers in the Questar III Excellence in Innovation in Cooperative Education and Leadership program.

I have taken dance lessons on an average of once a week for the past two years with David and Dawn. I have always been impressed by the way David and Dawn are able to tailor their lessons to the needs and abilities of their students. They both excel in teaching dance steps and patterns, choreography, musicality and expression.

In addition, I have observed David and Dawn performing dancing demonstrations in many venues, including ballroom dances, dance festivals, and Arts in the Park performances. In every situation, the audience has been amazed and captivated by their dancing talent.

I am a science teacher at Bethlehem Central Middle School, and in the past I have also taught at the high school level. I can assure you that David and Dawn would be excellent role models for young adolescent students. They consistently convey their enthusiasm and knowledge of dance to their students and audiences. David and Dawn would certainly keep students actively engaged in a positive learning experience.

Through their lessons and demonstrations, as well as through the weekly newsletter that they provide to the dancing community, David and Dawn communicate the joy and spirit of dancing. I would be proud to welcome them into my school.

Sincerely,
Margaret B. (Candy) Dolen

1/28/05

Re: David and Dawn Levesque:

To whom it may concern,

It has been my pleasure to know David and Dawn for the past two years. I have experienced their skills both as teachers and artists and can attest to their superb ability in both fields. I have been an educator for close to thirty years and so feel I have the experience and insight to identify gifted teachers. David and Dawn Levesque are clearly in that category. They demonstrate patience, understanding and a unique ability to connect with their students.

As an educational psychologist, I can't help but observe the teacher/ student connection. It is truly inspiring to witness David and Dawn connect and inspire their students. Certainly, their art and skills as dancers are an inspiration for their students, yet they do not intimidate or make their students feel that the skills are beyond their ability to learn. David and Dawn's understanding of their art enables them to break down the skills in a manner that makes it able for their students to assimilate at their level. Being a student of theirs, which I have also been, is truly a wonderful experience.

I have observed David's and Dawn's ability to communicate with a wide variety of age ranges. Their ability to connect with young people is especially remarkable. Through humor, energy, passion and patience, students in their class develop not only the dancing skills that appear to be the primary goal of the class, but they also become part of a unique therapeutic experience that leads to overall personal growth.

David and Dawn are the kind of skilled, passionate, and high energy teachers that are needed in education. They would be an asset to any educational program across the entire K-12 curriculum. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Fortunate, indeed, is the educational program that they are part of.

I would be glad to provide additional information. Please contact me at work at Ichabod Crane High School (518-758-7577) or at my home (518-766-9876).

Sincerely, Sy Balsen, School Psychologist, Ichabod Crane High School, Valatie, New York 12184, 518-766-9876

"Dawn and David are right in step with kids and their parents.  Their Latin dance program was exceptional in all respects.  This attractive duo provided a most dramatic and highly polished performance.  A contagious "come one, come all" atmosphere pervaded the dance lessons that were remarkably easy to follow.  Even those who were initially self-conscious quickly joined in. Smoothly integrated into the presentation were background notes on the origin of the Latin dances.  Families went away bubbling over with genuine excitement, requesting that we bring David and Dawn back to our library.  One mother told us that this event was "the most fun I have had in years."  Staff were equally impressed". Beverly A. Provost-Head of Youth Services-Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY 518-439-9314 x-4

Dancin’ David and Dancin’ Dawn: The children light up around you. Kids don’t usually response like that to most people. You did a wonderful job. You are so easy to work with compared to other arts in education presenters we have had here. We hope to have you in the other Shendahowa schools. Staff at Okte elementary. Sue Runkel 518-881-0547

 Dawn and David: Thank you so much for the wonderful program which you brought to ACS.  All of the feedback that I have heard has been positive and I've heard from folks who I usually don't hear anything from.  I thought you did a wonderful job engaging the students during your contacts with them, not an easy job given the varying age groups that you had to work with. Please feel free to use me as a reference for future contacts.  I shall be happy to give you a glowing recommendation.I look forward to being able to set up some other kind of programs in the future, and hope that you would be willing to make the trek to our neck of the woods again. Best wishes!!! Laurie Keating PTSA Argyle Central School keating5@capital.net

This has been the most successful residency our school has ever had. Jan Jehring, Argyle Principal 518-638-8243

 David and Dawn, In our school the following is true:

       68.3% of students receive free or reduced lunch, families whose income is     below the poverty line 

       61-70% of families have public welfare, as their primary income 

       Ethnic diversity: 21% Black, 8% Asian, 13% Hispanic and 53% White 

       43 students with limited English proficiency

       92 Special Education students  

You alone are the reason why these kids have improved their behaviors, grades and are excited about dance and other cultures. This has given them so much in the way of personal and social acceptable interactions with others. This will be a positive impact on all of them for the rest of their lives. We appreciate all that you have done for us.  Jane Poklemba, Zoller Elementary 518-370-8290

Dancin David and Dancin Dawn were fabulous. The kids loved them. They were enthusiastic, clear with breaking down the dance steps to manageable parts and every class was so much fun. Everyone had a good time. We are having them back for a school wide dance because everyone loved them including the parents.  We are already planning for next year and number one priority is to have Dawn and David back.  Trish Cassidy, School Social Worker 518-370-8293

Hi Dawn and David, rave reviews and great coverage regarding the ballroom dance recital. We can't wait for the Jan. dance and the spring. I hope you enjoy the candle as a symbol of lighting our way to ballroom dancing! Have a great holiday! Dr. Rachelle M. Salerno, Principal of Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science & Technology 518-462-7262

Please contact us today to enjoy DANCIN’ TIME as part of your school’s Arts in Education Experience.

You can visit us at the Arts and Enrichment Capital Region BOCES
Online Location http://artsineddirectory.org/artsined.html

Click on Visitors in the upper left hand corner and look for DANCIN’ TIME under Art Form: Dance, Program type: Performance, Residency, Workshop,
Program Theme: Contemporary Social Partner Dancing