The Universal Language of Dance Speaks Volumes to the Young Dancers of Punta de Mita 

Celebrate the Beat dancers warm up in preparation for their big show at the Corral del Risco school.

High above looking down from the air, Punta de Mita looks idyllic, serene, and a place of rest and relaxation.  Palm trees sway in the breeze, the ocean laps against the steep rocks, and small towns dot the coastline.  On the ground much can feel the same. But tucked into those small towns lie real people struggling to carve out a life amidst the challenges of an economic downturn in an already challenging environment.  Most of the local native population have the basics, but little beyond simple housing and a limited diet. 

Education in rural Mexico is widely available in grades K through 6, but its depth is limited.  Teachers and administrators are rarely members of the immediate community, often traveling hundreds of kilometers from their homes to work in needy schools.  Turnover is a fact of life, and schools lack the stability provided by  an experienced staff.  Many of the children are literate, but beyond rudimentary text books few materials are available.  Rural Mexico suffers from a lack of a rich environment of reading and a culture of literacy.  It also remains highly under-served in the arts.

Enter CTB.  Through the amazing support of Argie and Oscar Tang, local part time residents of the community, CTB has established an annual residency in the local schools of Punta de Mita and Corral del Risco.  This year, CTB staff served the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades of Corral del Risco, and the residency was nothing short of spectacular.  Working with the theme of the famous Dr. Seuss book, Horton Hears a Who, CTB got these young dancers moving and swaying to the rich stories contained within.  Backed by pro CTB musicians Tim Ribner and Marc Malcuit, Artistic Director Tracy Straus and Assistant Teacher Heather Kratz transformed an eager group of students from “never evers” to proud “dancers extraordinaire”. 

These young dancers triumphed in two live shows; one at the school in front of all their local families and friends and another on top of the roof at a local hotel open to the greater international community.  Both performances were natural tear jerkers, and the children reveled in resounding applause they received at both venues.

The 2010 CTB residency was once again made possible through a partnership with the local Punta de Mita grassroots organization, PEACE.  PEACE assists the local community, protects its natural resources and environment , enhances local education, and develops sustainable economic practices.  The CTB residency simply would not be possible without the many volunteers and staff who work so hard to better their local community.

CTB looks forward to continuing to build this relationship with the schools of Punta de Mita  and maintaining the high level of positive impact it is having on its young students.  Learn more about PEACE at http://www.peacemexico.org/ 

(Above) It all starts with the basics...two great teachers, an eager group of young dancers, and a belief that we all can be great. (Below) A group of new young CTB dancers.

A Special Residency for a Very Special Community, Enjoy The Colors of this CTB Photo Gallery

CTB dancer, Vanessa, beams with all the enthusiasm she can muster and shows just how much this program means to her and her fellow students.

Looking ever higher and dreaming of the stars, CTB dancers perform in the big finale'.

Punta de Mita dancers crowd around PEACE-CTB coordinator Paulina after finishing another day of dancing.  Paulina was instrumental in organizing the local children and translating for the classes.

The special relationship developed between the dancers and their teachers shows on the faces of these young and not-so-young dancers.

Music is the essential ingredient that makes this program work so well.  No matter where you are from or what language you speak, everyone is moved by the music.  Here the students celebrate the end of another practice with CTB keyboard extraordinaire Tim Ribner.

You Can Help Make a Difference Through CTB!

A program like the one in Punta Mita, Mexico doesn't just happen by luck.  It takes the dedicated hard work of multiple organizations and the commitment of those willing to support that hard work.  Through the incredibly generous assistance of Argie and Oscar Tang this program is now making a huge impact on these young children, and CTB is looking to serve even more of these students in the coming years. 

Please consider joining CTB in support of this very special program.  Your donation can go directly to helping the Punta de Mita residency.  Help us make a difference.  Donate now by visiting www.ctbeat.org

Two eager learners immerse themselves in the world of Dr. Seuss.  Helping to develop a culture of reading was another important goal of this year's residency.  The theme of "Horton Hears a Who" got the students picking up story books all around the school.  Surprisingly, there are very few story books available to these students, and the books seen above were made possible through the generous support of the Tangs.  Help CTB continue to help these students.  Donate now.

Donate now at www.ctbeat.org 

CTB Announces Summer Programs

Snow is still falling in the high valleys and peaks of the Rocky Mountains, but families are starting to plan their summer schedules, and CTB is right there ready for sign-up.  Our annual two week Crested Butte summer program will kick off on Monday June 21 and culminate with another live performance on the outdoor stage at the Center for the Arts at the July 4 Crested Butte Music Festival concert.

Our one week Aspen summer program will join forces with the Aspen Theater and begin on August 2.  Our summer program in Vail will begin on July 26 and continue its regular partnership with the Vail International Dance Festival.  For more information, visit our website at www.ctbeat.org or call (970)433-2585 to sign up today.

Ahhhhhhh! Summer in Colorado.  The time is right for signing up for a CTB residency.