Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Saturday, July 23, 2011

TED Talks - Thandie Newtom "Embracing Otherness; Embracing Myself"

http://www.ted.com/talks/thandie_newton_embracing_otherness_embracing_myself.html

Please check this out. I am showing it to the students as I feel like it relates to their situation on so many levels.


Friday, July 15, 2011

Happy 153rd Birthday Suchitoto!

Today is Suchitoto's 153rd birthday and the whole town gathered in the centre square to share in the celebrations. All of the students that attend school here in Suchitoto and in the surrounding communities participated in the annual parade by dancing, playing music and wearing festive and traditional costumes. What a beautiful cultural celebration!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Building The Stage!

Here you see the students putting the final touches on the stage that they have spent this past month building at Es Artes. It is a beautiful wood stage that spreads across the central garden in the school. The students are learning so much about how to work with various equipment, as well as what to do when many unexpected problems arise!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Currently at Es Artes!!

Hello everyone! My name is Alana Hawley and I am currently working here at Es Artes in Suchitoto on behalf of The Stratford Shakespeare Festival. I am here as an 'acting coach' but have been asked to focus on teaching the kids period dance (Ballet) for their upcoming production of The Imaginary Invalid by Moliere, as well and voice production and technique, yoga for physical strength and overall body awareness, and a little bit of singing. The classes range from approximately age 7 to age 36 within the same group and range in size from about 12 to 33 students each day. They are currently working on their first production of Peter and The Wolf for young audiences and are doing amazingly well. This body of students is full of heart and commitment as they enter their final year of this two year program. Some students even participate in at home schooling just so that they can attend this school 5 days a week. It is an amazing experience to be here and to see the effort from the students, their personal daily growth as individuals and as performers, as well and the love, effort, support and care that is put in my the core faculty members of Es Artes. Please let me know if you have any questions and remember, this project is constantly in need of funding, so please feel free to donate through my personal profile via CUSO-VSO at

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1173413&langPref=en-CA\

or get in touch with Melissa Renaud for specific information on how to donate directly to Es Artes in Suchitoto, El Slavador.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Suchitoto is a very progressive town in El Salvador. These hand painted images appear on the front of many houses here in Suchitoto to represent the families support for stopping violence against women:

"In this house we want a life free of violence against women."



Check out this fantastic video from a University Fair held for the students near Suchitoto to come learn about post secondary education and the possible scholarships that are out there!