Koror, Palau – Led by Benina Berger, a contemporary dancer and musician, the Belau National Museum provides a variety of engaging music and dance programs for young people. Berger, who also contributes to the AD HOC Arts Center, has coordinated these programs for five years.
The museum offers several options:
- Creative Music & Dance Summer Program: This program caters to elementary school students (ages 6-12) and explores the connection between movement and music. It ran from June 17th to July 4th, with two groups meeting from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Space is limited to 24 students, and the program fee is $30 per child.
- Creative Music & Dance Afterschool Program: Offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, this program separates students into age groups (6-8 years old and 9-13 years old). The cost is $10 per child.
Berger’s philosophy centers on the interconnectedness of movement and music. Her classes combine both disciplines, encouraging students to develop their own unique forms of expression. Similar to dance theater, students explore artistic elements by physically interpreting their surroundings and creating narratives through movement.
According to a previous Island Times article, the program, in collaboration with the NCD Prevention Unit, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of HRCTD, “aims to promote physical movement, artistic expression, and mental well-being.” Additionally, students learn about instruments, basic percussion, sound rhythm, and musical concepts.
Berger’s teaching approach integrates three core components: music education, movement and dance, and social education. Beyond the artistic aspects, the program fosters valuable life skills, including problem-solving, collaboration, responsibility, and creative confidence. While a final performance was a highlight in past years, funding limitations may prevent one this year. However, recent donations from Rock Island Café and DayDream Palau offer hope that a culminating performance is still possible.
Registration and Contact Information:
- Afterschool Program: Mondays (9-13 years old) and Wednesdays (6-8 years old) from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Cost: $10 per child.
- Music & Dance Summer Program (completed for 2024)
For more information, contact Benina Berger (B.A. in Music) at musicdanceart on Facebook, call 488-2265, or call 775-5630.