Dancer and Cleveland native Nehemiah Spencer returned to Onaway last month for his third time as the school’s Artist in Residence, a program made possible by a grant from the Shaker Schools Foundation. Mr. Spencer, whom the students affectionately call “Nemo”, is a fan favorite, encouraging students during their PE classes to move their bodies in new ways. He celebrates the end of each of his residencies with a choreographed interpretive dance he performs alongside fourth grade students.
For the past two years, Mr. Spencer has been accompanied by his friend and percussionist/vocalist Paula Jeanine Bennett (also a Cleveland native), who has written two original songs used in the culminating fourth grade performances. Mrs. B, as the students call her, wrote“Culture Connects Us” and this year, “In the Garden”, a song about how nature is a part of everyday life. The song’s lyrics also pay homage to some of Shaker’s own natural beauties like the Nature Center and Horseshoe Lake.
“The kids really take to the dance. They’re really eager to learn,” Mr. Spencer says. “You recognize these changes in their attention and once you have their attention, it’s really magical to see how the dance changes their perspective and their whole mood.”
For her part, Ms. Bennett says that coming back to Cleveland (she now lives in New York City) to give back to local students grounds her. “When I come to Onaway, I really feel like I’m part of their community. The people here really are so welcoming,” she says. “The kids are like a warm embrace. How can you not want to come back to that?”
Onaway PE teacher Sally Davros, who works closely with both Mr. Spencer and Ms. Bennett says that Mr. Spencer inspires students to see dance as a fun activity and encourages them to use it as a way to improve their coordination, sense of rhythm, self expression, and their physical fitness. “Beyond that though, our students connect with Nehemiah as someone who cares about them, and someone who embodies the IB learner profile. He is a role model to them of someone who sets his goals high, and doesn't give up until they are achieved. And he takes action by giving back to the community.”