Lauren's Musing:
Emerging with Wings

When I peeked in on the Usdan Online course Our Creative Nature, the class was learning about butterflies. Hildur, our amazing teacher, presented an analogy: we can think of the chrysalis in which the monarch butterfly forms as akin to our being in quarantine. Like the butterfly, we will emerge from it with wings.

Two things struck me about what Hildur said. First, the radical halt of the life we once knew can become our opportunity to work on the winged future our society needs. Second, getting those wings to grow requires patience, plus a commitment to learning. 

Lately, I have been turning inwards. To help shape the new world, I want to embrace this moment to learn. Rather than settle back and rest on the knowledge I have acquired, I want to re-evaluate what I need to know.

I currently have about 25 tabs open on my computer. Together, they look like a survey course I've assembled for myself about race and capitalism. I will also allow myself a few hours this weekend to read, as all of my colleagues are, The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias by Dolly Chugh. I am going to go back into my chrysalis. I’m going to study hard and earn my wings.

Here is to the kids of Usdan who are opting to learn this summer through online courses. Below, we highlight some striking moments from this week. 

I’m curious if you too are feeling a commitment to study and learn right now, and if so, what are you hoping to learn in your chrysalis to emerge with wings?

- Lauren Brandt Schloss, Executive Director

Hip Hop

Dance Chair Diana Crum made a guest appearance to introduce the history of the birth of Hip Hop in the 1970s. She shared:

Then, Diana spoke about Hip Hop as a vehicle for “real talk”: to celebrate the things we like and talk about the things that are not right. Hip Hop is in the forefront right now because of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

At the end of her visit, Diana said, “...start to find your own language. What do you want to say in this moment? Maybe you can find some parts of your life that you want to express though language, or rhythm, or in your dance.”

Hip Hop Class

The Teeny Musical

Through a process of self-discovery, young artists in this studio shared their creation of a micro musical. Students wrote personal songs and monologues that they wove together into a moving performance piece. 

Maggie shared: 

Toby shared: 

"Why is this world such a bore? Most people are starving and poor, and those who are not get all that they want, but what they want is more. I wish I could make a difference. I wish things would change, but I'm just a kid and the world's too weird and strange. I'm just a kid, who am I kidding? The world is big and no way I'm winning...

Yet despite all of this there are things that are good, so give me a listen 'cause you really should...

Devouring froyos and making them listen
Sliding down metal and nuclear fission
Swinging so high on the swings 
These are a few of my favorite things
Mint flavored ice cream and warm chocolate cake
Going on bike rides to the lake 
My dog and my best friend 
I will cherish these till the end

When my dog cries
When someone dies 
Or when I'm just upset
I simply remember my favorite things, and then I simply forget

And because of that I hope you now get
Why despite all the problems I'm mostly not always upset!"

The Teeny Musical Class

2D Studio & 2D Studio Comics

Students presented self portraits they had been developing.

In the comic studio, a student shared a comic she had revised and the story behind the characters.

2D Studio Class

2D Studio: Comics Class

Upcoming Community Events

Parent & Guardian Webinar:
Family Life in the Age of COVID

The third in our webinar series, child psychologist and art therapist Dr. Robin F. Goodman will discuss issues facing different family members and how to apply resilience-based strategies to cope with changing coronavirus issues. Dr. Goodman will talk about how people of all ages can tap into powerful internal and external resources to manage the present situation and plan for the future.

Family Workshop: Friday Night Bites

Join Chef Tiffany as she leads us in making our own spin on the classic Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream popsicles. Get ready for a fun time and a delicious snack!

Family Workshop: Yoga

Join Edna Gruvman for a virtual family yoga class. Together, we will practice basic yoga poses and partner poses that promote flexibility and strength, and explore various breathing techniques. The class will end with a Loving Kindness meditation that enhances our ability to be empathic and increases feelings of ease and wellbeing.