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WISS DanceFest 2024: An Unforgettable Showcase of Talent

Jan 19, 2024

WISS DanceFest 2024 undoubtedly earned its reputation as the "Hottest Ticket in Shanghai" and a hub for arts and music. The event brought together talented dancers from different schools, allowing them to showcase their skills, learn from one another, and create lasting memories. The breathtaking performances, the support from parents and relatives, and the dedication of everyone involved truly made this year's DanceFest a resounding success. As the curtains closed on this unforgettable event, the WISS community eagerly awaits the next edition of DanceFest, where the passion for dance and the spirit of collaboration will shine brightly again.

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On Saturday, January 13th, the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) campus shone brightly as it hosted the highly-anticipated annual WISS DanceFest 2024. Celebrating WISS's prominence in the realm of arts and music, this year's event brought together over 70 talented dancers from three prestigious schools - WISS, Lycée Français de Shanghai (LFS), and Nord Anglia Chinese International School-Shanghai (NACIS). With a captivating display of talent and collaboration, DanceFest 2024 positioned WISS as the beacon of artistic expression within the Shanghai International School arena.

Throughout the day, the magnificent halls of WISS were filled with the vibrant energy of aspiring dancers as they eagerly immersed themselves in a series of captivating workshops. Designed to elevate dance techniques and broaden horizons, the five skill-based sessions offered a diverse range of styles, including Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballet, Afro, and Yoga. These workshops, led by experienced teachers and coaches, showcased WISS's commitment to fostering artistic excellence, allowing dancers to refine their skills, and igniting new passions.

As anticipation built, the stage was set for the mesmerizing performances that would captivate the audience. WISS DanceFest 2024 showcased 14 awe-inspiring performances, encompassing individual and group dances. Each choreography, meticulously crafted with creativity, technique, and emotion, served as a testament to the exceptional talents nurtured within WISS. The dancers' dedication and unwavering commitment radiated through their enchanting performances, leaving the audience spellbound and reaffirming WISS's status as a distinguished hub of arts and music.

The tremendous success of DanceFest 2024 was further amplified by the unwavering support of more than 150 parents and relatives representing all three participating schools. Their presence and enthusiasm resonated throughout the event, underscoring the strong sense of community fostered within WISS. It was evident that WISS's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through arts and music has created a culture of unity and appreciation for the arts within the Shanghai International School arena.

WISS DanceFest 2024 undoubtedly earned its reputation as the "Hottest Ticket in Shanghai" and a hub for arts and music. The event brought together talented dancers from different schools, allowing them to showcase their skills, learn from one another, and create lasting memories. The breathtaking performances, the support from parents and relatives, and the dedication of everyone involved truly made this year's DanceFest a resounding success. As the curtains closed on this unforgettable event, the WISS community eagerly awaits the next edition of DanceFest, where the passion for dance and the spirit of collaboration will shine brightly again.

The Benefits of Dance: Enhancing Physical, Mental, and Academic Well-Being

Dance is more than just an artistic expression or entertainment; it offers numerous benefits for students, encompassing physical, mental, and academic aspects. Dance activities can improve physical fitness, increase self-confidence, enhance cognitive abilities, relieve stress, and improve social skills.

Physical Benefits

Participating in dance provides several physical benefits that contribute to overall well-being. Firstly, it improves physical fitness by enhancing strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. With regular dance practice, students experience improvements in cardiovascular health, stamina, motor skills development, body awareness, control, posture, and alignment.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Dance has a positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of students. It is a stress-relieving activity, allowing students to release tension and experience relaxation. Furthermore, the process of choreography and mastering dance techniques boosts self-confidence and self-esteem as students gain a sense of accomplishment. Dance also enhances concentration and focus, improving cognitive abilities, and students stay focused in other areas. Additionally, dance provides for emotional expression, enabling students to explore their emotions, ideas, and creativity.

Academic Benefits

The benefits of dance extend beyond the physical and mental realms, positively influencing academic performance. Regular participation in dance requires discipline, commitment, and effective time management skills. These essential traits transfer to academic pursuits, fostering discipline and time management habits that can lead to better academic outcomes. Moreover, dance involves memorization, sequencing, and pattern recognition, which enhance cognitive abilities such as memory and problem-solving skills. Combining physical activity, creative expression, and social interaction in dance contributes to overall brain development, improving academic performance.

Social Development

Dance promotes the development of essential social skills among students. Students learn teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication by participating in dance classes or joining dance teams. They work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of camaraderie and promoting positive relationships. Dance provides a platform for students to interact with their peers, build friendships, and develop a supportive community.

Incorporating dance into a student's life offers a multifaceted range of benefits encompassing physical, mental, and academic well-being. From improved physical fitness and coordination to enhanced self-confidence, concentration, and cognitive abilities, dance contributes to holistic development. In addition, dance provides stress relief, creative expression, and social interaction opportunities. As educators and parents, let us recognize the profound advantages of dance and encourage students to explore this enriching art form, unlocking their full potential in various aspects of their lives.

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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816450346

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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816450346

Admissions

Follow us | Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) Official WeChat Account QR Code

OFFICIAL WECHAT

拥抱多样性：全球创新学习联盟会议在新西兰奥克兰举行

全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）是一个著名的学校网络，致力于促进教育领域的创新、合作和文化交流。上海西华外籍人员子女学校（WISS）很荣幸成为全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）的成员，并兴奋地宣布将参加即将在新西兰奥克兰举行的全球创新学习联盟会议。此次会议为上海西方国际学校的学生提供了一次难得的机会，他们将在校长 David Edwards 先生、学术与创新部主任 Timothy Pyeon 先生和设计教师 Nwanneka Okwuosa 女士的陪同下，与其他 GAIL 成员学校共同促进多元化发展。

在中断四年之后，GAIL 会议将在新西兰奥克兰汇聚来自全球各地的教育工作者、管理人员和学生。今年的会议将特别关注多样性，承认多样性为教育机构带来的巨大价值。接受多元化观点、文化和思想的重要性无论怎样强调都不为过，GAIL 的目标是增强教育工作者创造包容性学习环境的能力。

WISS 始终站在倡导多元化和培养学生全球思维的最前沿。学校曾在 2019 年主办过 GAIL 会议，因此对这一活动的意义并不陌生。在 David Edwards、Timothy Pyeon 和 Nwanneka Okwuosa 等主要代表的陪同下，WISS 的学生将有宝贵的机会与来自其他 GAIL 成员学校的同学合作、学习和分享自己的独特经历。

本次会议的主要关注点是多样性，与会者可以期待一个深入探讨文化、种族、语言和社会多样性各个层面的丰富活动。研讨会、小组讨论和互动环节将为与会者提供在自己的学校创建包容性环境所需的工具和知识。会议旨在培养跨文化能力，弘扬学生和教育工作者的不同文化背景。

GAIL 会议之所以如此具有影响力，其中一个关键因素是它强调合作。与会者有机会参与合作项目，交流促进多样性和包容性的想法和最佳做法。通过这些互动，与会者将获得宝贵的见解和创新策略，并将其应用于各自的学校社区。

对于 WISS 的学生和更广泛的 GAIL 社区来说，在新西兰奥克兰举行的 GAIL 会议将是一次难忘的活动。当他们沉浸在一个多元、包容的环境中时，与会者将学到关于同理心、尊重和文化交流之美的宝贵经验。这次会议无疑将成为通过教育创造一个更加和谐和宽容的社会的垫脚石。

在即将于新西兰奥克兰举行的会议期间，WISS 与其他 GAIL 成员学校一道，热切希望为有关多样性的讨论做出贡献。通过参与此次全球对话，学校重申了其促进文化理解、拥抱多样性和推动教育创新的承诺。毫无疑问，GAIL 会议将成为积极变革的催化剂，教育工作者和学生将通力合作，共同建设一个重视和赞美我们丰富差异的未来。

WISS 主办 GAIL 会议（视频链接）