October 2004

Worked hard and had fun with the 4th and 5th graders at Thomas Edison ES, in Covington, KY just across the river from Cincinnati, OH.  Thanks to the Carnegie Center for the Arts for sponsoring this Drum With Your Feet residency.  I think it made a big impact on all involved, myself included.   

The first pilot week of Math In Your Feet! is officially complete! 4th and 5th grade students from New Augusta Public Academy in Indianapolis, IN learned math steps through clogging, opened channels for learning  and connections through physical movement, used patterns and symmetries to create their own steps, not to mention challenged themselves and became more confident!  For a more thorough description, please click here.

March 2004

In March, I went to England...to see the Queen? -- no, to dance with kids and adults!  Here is a picture of Year 6 students from Morchard Bishop school dancing with me.  The kids informed me that, actually, "clogging" is a foul in soccer. That's why they call it Appalachian clog dancing over there I guess, just to keep people from being confused!

I also spent some time working with Appalachian style clogging teams (of which there are hundreds in the UK) culminating in a fabulous experience at the LooseRoots Festival in Matlock, Derbyshire.  The trip was supported by the amazing efforts of my hosts, Jo Wright of the Alive & Kicking dance team in Exeter, Devon, Jo & Simon Harmer of the Chequered Flag dance team in Portsmouth, and Dave and Dot Wheeler in Matlock.  Amazing people!  Couldn't have done it without them!

February 2004

I spent two weeks this month at Cumberland Trace Elementary School in Bowling Green, KY (see picture, below).  We all learned a lot and had fun, too!  If you're a kid from any school checking out this website you may be interested finding out more about me in my Kid Friendly Biography!

January 2004

Happy New Year!  Why not resolve to be a better dancer in 2004?  I've got just the perfect thing -- check out these in-depth, summer, learning opportunities for adults!

7/15 - 7/22  Groove Camp, Cherry Ridge Camp Grounds, PA. About 30 minutes from the Scranton, PA airport.  A week-long music and dance camp for adults and families.  Malke will be teaching, performing, and coaching a percussive dance ensemble.  www.dhebert.com/groovecamp.  

7/26 - 7/30  Augusta Heritage Center Workshops in Elkins, WV.  Week-long Cape Breton step dance class.  www.augustaheritage.com  No previous experience in Cape Breton step dance is required, but students must have some experience in another percussive form (tap, clogging, Irish step, etc.).  Students will learn steps, increase rhythmic competence and fluidity, gain experience creating step sequences, and engage in cultural and historical discussions.  The class will meet for a minimum of 4 hours each day for a combination of group and individual instruction.

The picture above is of Malke during last summer's Cape Breton step dance week at Augusta.  Thanks to Augusta for the pix.

November 2003

Math In Your Feet!, my new dance/math integration program, got a trial run this month!  20 adventurous third, fourth, and fifth graders from New Augusta Public Academy in Indianapolis, IN participated in a week-long intersession program where they experienced dance, rhythm making, and math in a whole new way.  

Click on the above thumbnails to get a closer look at kids working out and notating their Jump Patterns.  This program will have it's official pilot in April and June with New Augusta 4th and 5th graders.  Thanks to math teacher extraordinaire Jane Cooney, New Augusta principal Sarena Conway, Assistant Superintendent Beth Neidermeyer, and Young Audiences' Laura Friesen for their continuing enthusiasm, support, and work on this truly collaborative effort.  Read more about the program here.

October 2003

In October, I traveled to Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, on an Individual Project grant from the Indiana State Arts Council.  I engaged in a cultural exchange with Melody Cameron, a fabulous step dancer and fiddler.  I taught Melody Southern Appalachian style clogging and flatfooting, and deepened my understanding of the Cape Breton step dance tradition learning steps from Melody. 

Thanks to Melody, her husband Derrick, and Derrick's parents Owen and Marie, for their fabulous hospitality during her stay.  I also enjoyed performing in "Close to the Floor", Celtic Colours International Festival's annual dance showcase held at Strathspey Place in Mabou, performing at the Festival Club (with good sports Dirk Powell and John Doyle) at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's, and hanging out at The Red Shoe, also in Mabou.

September 2003

WELCOME to the official launching of Malke Rosenfeld's Drum With Your Feet website!  This site includes information on Malke's teaching and performing.  Feel free to e-mail Malke with any questions or comments you may have. 

July 2003

I had a "groovy" time (baby) at Groove Camp this summer.  Next summer is shaping up to be even better!  Check out the plans for 2004.  Click on this thumbnail for a closer look of me with other Groove Camp staff -- Jane Rothfield, Sam Zuccinni, John McGann, Lise Brown, Stuart Kenny, and Darrol Anger!

June 2003

Got the grant!  I was awarded an Individual Artist Project grant through the Indiana Arts Commission for further study on Cape Breton Island.  I am going to Cape Breton in October (during the Celtic Colours Festival) to work with dancer and fiddler Melody Cameron of Mabou.  Stay tuned for the full report! (This activity is made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, with funds from the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.)

April 2003

I visited the Rosemont School in Philadelphia, PA and had a fabulous time teaching the kids clogging!  Check their website for more pictures of this fun day!