Dance

Trifecta Arts Returns to The Moriah School

A worldwide pandemic created an unexpected delay, but after international travel restrictions were finally lifted, dance classes were once again on the schedule for 3 weeks at The Moriah School and the students couldn’t have been more engaged! Trifecta Arts’ founder, Anne Koho, traveled over 10,000 miles for the second time to provide free classical ballet training to 108 students in Guntur, India. The Moriah School is a private institution with an attached home for children who have lost at least one parent. It is known for providing quality education (pre-school thru Grade 10) to underserved children in the region, supported in part by generous donors from the US.

In a special twist to their usual academic-focused routine, students at the school were in for a delightful surprise during the first week as Talya Dozois, a Guest Teacher hailing from Minneapolis, MN, generously offered her time to introduce Jazz Dance classes to the curriculum. Initial uncertainty quickly gave way to enthusiasm as the students embraced the opportunity to explore a new form of expression. Over the course of just five days, they not only learned some jazz steps but also formed a strong bond with Miss Talya. From the youngest at 8 to the oldest at 18, students of all ages found themselves captivated by her infectious energy and passion for dance. As the week drew to a close, there was a definite sense of sadness among the students as they bid farewell to their beloved guest teacher, grateful for the invaluable experience and memories she had shared with them.

During the second and third weeks of the session, students eagerly immersed themselves in classical ballet classes under the guidance of Anne Koho. While only the 10th-grade class had prior experience with Miss Anne back in 2018, all students relished the chance for physical expression and a respite from their rigorous academic schedules. Notably, in a country where arts education is not commonly integrated into school curriculums, these ballet classes offered a rare opportunity for students to explore their creativity through movement. To commemorate their achievements and newfound appreciation for the arts, the students gathered for group photos on their final day, cherishing the memories they had created together.

“Traveling to India with Trifecta Arts was a life changing experience! Anne has provided an amazing opportunity to bring dance to the students of the Moriah School! This is something I would do over and over again to see the kids’ smiling faces and watch them have the joy of dance in their lives! Just a perfect example of how dance is a universal language and happiness! Trifecta Arts and Anne gave me the most rewarding time I will never forget! “ ~ Talya Dozois