“I AM!” is a motivational program for Arlington fourth graders at C.B. Berry Elementary School, and is based on dance movement and interaction with arts professionals. The “I AM!” philosophy is that discipline, hard work, courage, and accomplishment lead young children to develop lifelong skills that academics alone cannot provide.
Fourth grade students attend weekly “I AM!” classes within the school day, taught by our dedicated educators. Since 1994, hundreds of students have enjoyed “jumping through the spotlight” during performances at high school basketball games, at the Mountain View College Dance Festival, with the DTA Company members at Leadership Arlington, and in the “Spring Concert” in May.
DTA’s Rebecca Boles and Persis Ann Forster discuss the “I AM!” program’s history and success in this video interview from 2010.
A community must support its children because all are affected by young people who either realize their potential or fall by the wayside. Programs like “I AM!” that work must be valued, cultivated and recognized as city treasures. In 2005, the “I AM!” program was recognized by the City of Arlington as a “Site of Promise” in the national program, America’s Promise, the Alliance for Youth.
The Pam Bucher Memorial Fund is used to provide needed items for the “I AM!” Dancers. If you are interested in donating to the Pam Bucher Memorial Fund, please please visit our Donations Page for more information. We appreciate your support!
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