GLOBAL VISIONS VOLUME 6: Exploring Culture Through the Arts
Our 2024 Global Concert, “United Harmonies,” was special for a number of reasons—it was the first time in many years that students from Qibao Dwight could join us. It was the first time the concert was held in Dubai—and directly on the Dubai campus. But, at its core, what made this year’s Global Concert so special is what makes it so special every year, and what makes Dwight so unique: Dwight brings together students from different cultures in authentic ways to express themselves and learn from one another.
“That’s what Dwight does ,” said one enthusiastic parent at intermission. And Dwight does it every day, on every campus, through its curriculum—and particularly through its visual arts and performing arts programs, where Dwight’s pillar of global vision is brought to life for all to experience.
In this edition, each campus provides insight on how different cultures are authentically represented through their visual and performing arts programs. Enjoy the journey…
DWIGHT NEW YORK
Celebrates the Legacy of Duke Ellington
Dwight New York, anchored in the vibrant, multicultural melting pot of New York City, celebrates the myriad cultures found in the School and outside its iron doors. Children throughout our school, from Early Childhood to the Upper School, are given ample opportunities to connect with their own culture and the cultures of others.
Our Lower School recently came together to demonstrate how visual arts, performing arts, and culture are intricately linked and taught to the younger generation. They gathered to celebrate the 125th birthday of jazz great Duke Ellington, a pioneering Black American composer, piano player, and bandleader. This celebration started in the Fall when our Lion musicians learned two Duke tunes for their Winter Concert. After the concert, students studied the children’s book, Who Was Duke Ellington?, written by Dwight’s Editorial Director, Matt Payne.
In preparation for the big celebration, students used their art classes to create a huge, colorful 3D paper birthday cake for the assembly. Each cake layer was designed by a different grade and featured 125 clay candles. In the library, students created small banners answering the question, “Who was Duke Ellington?”
At the assembly on Duke’s birthday (April 29), with the banners hung and cake displayed, the students were joined by professional jazz musicians from the Jazz Foundation of America — including two performers who played with Duke Ellington himself! The celebration was truly a cross-curricular artistic effort — grade 5 drama students performed a short play based on Mr. Payne’s book, with one of our students, Cameron Keitt ’31, in the role of young Duke, performing “The Entertainer” live on the piano.
Music Teacher Violetta Zambetti, who orchestrated this incredible event, said, “The whole purpose of reading this book and watching multiple videos of Duke and his orchestra, was to demonstrate to our students how his spark of genius became a flame. To find those examples in our history and reveal them to our students, creates magical moments for them to realize their own future paths.”
Dwight New York’s visual arts and performing arts experience is a reflection of New York’s cultural traditions— in this case, the American art form of Jazz—encouraging students to ignite their spark of genius in their own unique ways. One spark already flew after the concert: The visiting piano player was so impressed by Cameron that he gave Cameron his CD to listen to and continue to be inspired.
DWIGHT NY’S STUDENTRUN RECORD LABEL!
566 Records operates out of our Columbus Avenue campus and highlights music of all styles, created by students. They are especially interested in new, original music and creative, unique takes on existing material. 566 Records allows students to connect with New York City studios and professional musicians, affording our students a unique link to the talent that exists in this city. Visit the 566 Records website to listen to the latest releases.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through the Arts
AT DWIGHT LONDON
At Dwight London, the visual arts and performing arts are vibrant reflections of the diverse cultures that our students and our community represent. Through their creativity, students at Dwight are given a platform to explore and express their unique cultural identities, creating a rich tapestry of global perspectives.
Representing Cultures Through the Arts
“Students from various backgrounds bring their cultural heritage into their artwork and performances,” says Art Teacher Joe Ross. For example, in Year 11, students showcase music, theatre, and visual arts based on their identity. “Creating art that represents my culture has deepened my understanding of my roots,” shares one student. “It’s an emotional and educational journey.”
Additionally, collaborative projects allow students to share and blend their culture expressions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Music Teacher Viktor Mastouridis says, “Students in Year 3 are all hooked to ‘East Africa’s Got Talent,’ which they say is their preferred music activity now. Allowing them to have agency, I modified the planning, and now we started learning African call-and-response songs, as well as African drumming.”
Learning Through Creation
Through the creation and performance of art, students learn about history, traditions, and the significance of cultural symbols, integrating this knowledge into their broader education. Teachers emphasise the importance of cultural literacy: “We encourage students to delve into their heritage and the local cultures around them. It broadens their perspectives and enriches their educational experience,” says Richard Deng, Head of the Music Department.
Eli Bautista, an Art and Design Teacher, describes how reflections from students typically show that they feel a sense of pride and connection to their cultural identity through art. Also, teachers have noticed how involved students are in learning about different countries and
HELLO, GOODBYE
traditions when they’re doing a piece of art about any culture, for example: Warli Art, Adinkra symbols, Mosaics, Noh Theatre, etc.
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Connecting to the Curriculum
The arts at Dwight Schools are seamlessly woven into the curriculum, reflecting Dwight School London’s core pillars of personalised learning, community, and global vision. Students are guided to create projects that not only align with their personal interests but also resonate with global themes and social issues. This integration ensures that their artistic endeavours are both personally meaningful and academically enriching.
Visual arts and performing arts at the School are powerful conduits for cultural expression and education. They foster an inclusive environment where students celebrate their own and each other’s backgrounds, enhancing their learning and personal growth.
After serving our school with great dedication and leadership for seventeen years, Matt Parkin, our Junior School Principal, had his last day in May. We saw current and former teachers, plus parents and children, gather to say goodbye and celebrate the legacy he left on our school. Helen Enisuoh, our new Principal, who started earlier in April in order to have a handover period with Matt, says of her time thus far: “Thank you all for such a warm welcome to the Dwight family! It has been wonderful to meet our community at the gates and to begin to get to know the children.”
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Celebrating Diverse Cultural Backgrounds Through Art AT DWIGHT SEOUL
At Dwight Seoul, students express and celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds through art and performance, creating rich content that highlights global diversity and fosters belonging. Their artistic endeavors showcase and reflect their cultures and local communities while aligning with the school’s core pillars of personalized learning, community, and global vision.
Students represent their cultural heritage in various ways. For instance, “A Tapestry of Tales,” grade 3’s production, featured folktales from around the world, demonstrating their understanding of global storytelling and performing arts. Similarly, the Annual Elementary Chorus Festival in Busan saw 19 Dwight Lower School Chorus students participate in a collaborative event organized by the Korea International Music Educators Association. This festival celebrated cultural diversity through ensemble singing and brought together students from various backgrounds.
Creating or performing art significantly impacts students, providing them with valuable experiences and lessons. Participation in events like the Elementary Chorus Festival helps students improve their vocal skills, collaborate with different choral directors, and connect with a global network of young musicians. Grade 4 students, through their “Food and Blues” learning celebration, explored themes of migration by performing realistic fiction stories and original blues music, deepening their understanding of cultural blending.
Grade 1 students, through their production of “Stone Soup,” learned the importance of community and generosity. This
performance, based on the well-known folktale told in different ways around the world, taught them the value of sharing and collaboration, emphasizing the joy of collective effort.
Visual art and performing art at Dwight Seoul are closely linked to the curriculum and our core pillars. Productions like “A Tapestry of Tales” allow students to personalize their learning by exploring unique cultural narratives. Events like the Elementary Chorus Festival and “Food and Blues” celebration foster community by bringing students together to share their artistic talents and cultural stories. These artistic endeavors underscore the school’s commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment that celebrates every student’s cultural background — embodying our global vision.
FAMILIES UNITE FOR DWIGHT SEOUL’S INTERNATIONAL SPRING FAIR
The Dwight School Seoul Annual International Spring Fair, held on Saturday, May 18, brought the entire community together to celebrate its rich diversity. Attendees enjoyed incredible cuisine from around the world and a vibrant Parade of Nations. Live musical performances featured a rock band, violinists, and singers, adding to the festive atmosphere. Young children delighted in bouncy castles, face painting, and numerous other activities. This joyous event truly showcased the unity and multicultural spirit of the Dwight School Seoul community.
A Tapestry of Creativity: Art Connects
Culture, Curriculum, and Students
AT SHANGHAI QIBAO DWIGHT HIGH SCHOOL
At Qibao Dwight High School (QDHS), the walls aren’t just surfaces – they’re vibrant canvases pulsating with the stories of a diverse student body. Here, art transcends aesthetics, becoming a powerful tool for students to explore and express their cultural heritage, delve into local influences, and connect with the school’s core pillars.
A Global Palette: Representing Cultures Through Visual Art QDHS students don’t shy away from showcasing their cultural backgrounds. The intricate illustrations of Isa Zhang ’26 weave Celtic patterns with figures from Irish fairy tales, echoing the detailed artistry of The Book of Kells. As Isa explains, this highlights the importance of “in-depth research.” (See below)
The artwork of Peter Hu ’26 wasn’t a mere landscape; it was a dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. The majestic European scene pulsed with vibrant Chinese Miao Batik patterns — a fiery sun symbolizing warmth, a bird promising prosperity. (See Mobile-Friendly Version)
Emily Zhao ’26 takes a more personal turn. Using contrasting black and white faces, she depicts the “present” and “past,” a reflection on the ever-evolving relationship between students and school. The clock and eye imagery serve as a call to cherish the present. (See Mobile-Friendly Version)
Beyond Technique: The Impact of Art Creation
The act of creating art is not just about the final product; it’s a transformative journey. As Art Teacher Daniel Dias says, “The power of art lies in its ability to cultivate personal growth.
SHANGHAI
QIBAO DWIGHT HIGH SCHOOL
CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY!
A full story profiling all the celebrations of this significant milestone — and outlining the achievements of SQDHS in its auspicious first decade — is forthcoming!
Art allows students to explore identity and express complex ideas.”
Sylvia Chen ’25 delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding cloning in her installation, “Beneath the Skin.”
Sylvia emphasizes the curriculum’s focus on “global perspective,” a value that empowers her to question, explore, and express her own opinions through visual art, looking beyond the art room. As Sylvia shares, “I now engage with literary works, newspapers, and even biological data.”
Transformative Learning Through the Performing Arts
“Performing arts are a powerful tool for cultural exploration,” Theater Arts Teacher Alyzza Pacelo reflects. “As students collaborate, rehearse, and perform, they delve into the traditions, stories, and emotions that underpin various cultures. This immersive experience fosters not only a deeper understanding of these cultures, but also a deeper appreciation for the student’s own cultural background. Through performing arts, students become not only academically and creatively skilled, but also empathetic and engaged citizens of the world.”
Stephanie Gao ’25 says,“I found my spark of genius in a genuine love for the theater stemming from its ability to bring people together, create empathy, tell meaningful stories, and uncover unique aspects of Chinese culture.”
In QD’s Performing Arts Program, students are encouraged to take risks, explore their unique talents, and communicate authentically through various artistic mediums. The resulting tapestry of creativity reflects not just individual students, but the rich mix of culture that defines Qibao Dwight High School.
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Celebrating Culture Through Art
AT DWIGHT DUBAI
At Dwight School Dubai, we are proud to celebrate over 60 nationalities, bringing together a multitude of cultures and traditions from all over the globe. Through our rich arts curriculum, students immerse themselves in engaging lessons, where they are able to infuse their work with their culture and heritage.
Students at Dwight School Dubai have been showcasing diverse cultural representations through their artwork, beautifully blending elements from their backgrounds with the rich heritage of the United Arab Emirates through the unit of enquiry. By incorporating traditional motifs, colors, and symbols into their art, they are able to express their cultural identities and foster a sense of unity and appreciation for the multicultural tapestry that makes up the UAE.
Through our Performing Arts programme, students often reflect profoundly on how their performances impact them personally, academically, and emotionally — with increased confidence, improved communication, a sense of accomplishment, stronger relationships, academic success, and personal growth. Overall, students’ reflections highlight the transformative power of art in fostering self-expression, personal growth, and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.
Their art serves as a bridge between creativity and education, intertwining seamlessly with our curriculum and core pillars of personalized learning, community, and global vision. Each brushstroke, dance, and performance — whether for cultural days, assemblies, or drama performances — brings a unique perspective to the learning experience, encouraging students to express themselves authentically while exploring diverse perspectives. By integrating the arts into the curriculum, we not only foster creativity and critical thinking but also cultivate a sense of belonging within the community and a broader understanding of IB and the world around us.
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Every year, we gather our Dwight School community together for our International Day celebrations. This occasion commemorates the wonderful diversity of our community, where students, staff and parents come together to showcase each other’s heritage and traditions. Amidst the colorful backdrop, our community comes together to display traditional outfits and delicacies, creating an uplifting environment for all to explore. Our community comes together to put on a show like no other, collaborating in performances, showcasing traditional songs, and playing instruments from all over the world. International Day celebrations exemplify the strength in our community — one of our key pillars of the Dwight Schools.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF DWIGHT SCHOOL DUBAI
DWIGHT HANOI
Launches a Visual and ArtsPerforming Program in Vietnam
To state that there are “a few things” to consider when opening a new school would certainly be an understatement! The four years of research, planning, and decision-making that have gone into crafting and building Dwight School Hanoi have covered all manner of topics, from location, to furniture design, to recruiting and retaining the best educators, and everything in between.
The arts program at the school has naturally been given careful attention, too, and it has been joyful for the team of educators and administrators to imagine and conceive. We are deeply proud of the planned visual and performing arts program that is set to be both innovative and anchored by some of Vietnam’s incredible traditional arts. Though students will not arrive until August, a recent team building session produced some beautiful Vietnamese art. With the flexibility to bring in local performers and artists to work with our students in the school’s advanced facilities — art barn, black box theater, design studios, and music recording studio — students will learn through understanding a range of art forms that may include: water puppetry, a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century; traditional opera and theater including the traditional art form of Háttuông; and in visual arts, woodblock printing, silk painting, and ceramics — all
core elements of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage that tell stories of Vietnamese myths and legends.
By integrating traditional arts into the curriculum, the international school ensures that students gain a global education enriched with local cultural wisdom, preparing them to be thoughtful, creative, and culturally aware global citizens.
Our Head of School, Brantley Turner, tells us what the arts means to her here: “I have a passion for creativity and have seen, over many years, the power of the performing and visual arts to transform experiences for students, both in school and for many years after.”
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DWIGHT SCHOOL HANOI ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MANCHESTER CITY FOOTBALL SCHOOL!
Through a structured approach, the program will introduce students to the playing style renowned for achieving success in English Premier League, European, and Global competitions.
Coaching delivered by the Manchester City coach:
• Whole School PE football program
• Football After-School Activities
• Dwight School Hanoi Club Football (weekend) team
• School competitive football teams at the high school level coached by the Manchester City professional coach
Students also get the incredible option of a visit to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester and of attending the Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup.
Dwight School Hanoi is thrilled and proud to partner with Manchester City Football Club to ignite the spark of genius in every child by delivering a worldclass education program which will see students coached in City’s distinguished playing style.
FRANKLIN STUDENTS
Explore Art and Culture Through Lived Experience
Franklin’s philosophy is that all young people are artists, and we strive to open doors, both metaphorically and literally, through which their artistic expression can emerge. In both individual and group settings, we utilize our facilities and those in our surrounding area to engage students in the connection between the arts and culture.
Often, students take on interdisciplinary approaches to finding that connection. In grade 10, History students chose a colonialist image and were challenged to create an original artwork that usurped the power dynamics in the image—an approach not often taken. “Ideas and ideologies of power, otherness, and cultural invisibility are typically not traditional subjects taught in an American classroom,” said Dr. Ann Denkler, Lead Humanities Teacher.
Our grade 9 Studio Art students each chose a contemporary artist with whom they have an affinity and, in examining the work of their chosen artist, discussed the artist’s process and transdisciplinary interests. As research for their project, the entire grade visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students will finish the unit by creating an artwork of their own, inspired by their chosen artist.
Art Teacher Kaela Chambers says, “Students are taking their own lives and imbuing them into the practice of an artist that they relate to. Every project that students work on at Franklin requires them to bring something of themselves to the art.”
Lannah Bonavita ’27 selected artist Aliza Nisenbaum, a painter who focuses almost all of her portraits on her Hispanic culture. Lannah says, “Nisenbaum strongly believes that to fully capture something in your art, you must have a strong connection and understanding of it.” She decided to paint a photograph taken last summer at a birthday celebration that brought her whole community together and celebrated their unique cultural traditions. “There is so much meaning in this picture, and I can’t wait to give it even more meaning in a piece of artwork,” says Lannah.
Through Franklin’s Visual Arts program, our students are challenged to draw on their cultures and life experiences to guide them in their work, and throughout the year, our students have developed a deeper understanding of the connection between art and culture—and a myriad of other subjects.
To celebrate International Mother Language Day, we gathered for an informative event designed by our World Language Teachers. Students read poems in Spanish, English, French, and Mandarin and were accompanied by student musicians on violin, guitar, and trumpet. We were joined by dancers from the local Jersey City community, the Liying Dance Team, and a Flamenco dancer. The event culminated in a lunch, where students shared food from a range of cultures.
FRANKLIN
Music, Visual Arts, and Theater Thrive AT DWIGHT GLOBAL ONLINE SCHOOL
Enrolling in online arts classes enriches Dwight Global Online students’ learning with worldwide cultural connections, special outlets for self-expression, and exposure to professional teachers who are also working artists.
“At Dwight Global, students can take advantage of the arts no matter their skill level,” said Visual Arts Teacher Jenifer Kent. “Students may go directly to advanced courses like AP Art & Design, and others take ‘Visual and Performing Arts,’ a year-long course in three sections taught by myself, Lucas Simone for music, and Tory Letourneau-Bentz for theater.”
Ms. Kent said visual art students begin with learning proportion, value, perspective, and portraiture, and receive one-on-one feedback. Students also participate in virtual field trips at museums worldwide.
“Online learning is wonderful for the practice of visual arts, which is largely solitary. Artists come together for exhibitions, and to share art, which we do daily,” she said.
Mr. Simone’s classes range from introductory classes to IB DP and AP-level music theory and composition classes. Music production, performance, and technology knowledge go hand in hand, Simone said, and students study all genres of music all over the world.
“Students must perform each term and record two different pieces, which culminates in creating a portfolio and presentations. We are focused not just on the outcome, but on the creative process, and learning what works most comfortably as individual musicians,” said Mr. Simone.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: SAL NARASIMHAN ’26
Sophomore Sai Narasimhan says if it weren’t for the flexibility of his online school, he may never have discovered the depth of his musical talent. In addition, says Sal, “It introduced me to friends who share my desire to dive deep into something outside of school.”
Sai is also a student at the Musik Akademie Basel, one of the oldest music academies in Europe. Sai was accepted into the academy’s Talent Development Program, where he studies classical piano and music theory.
“I have always loved all types of music,” said Sai. “So in addition to classical music, I have been studying jazz — both guitar and vocals. I am excited to perform in ensembles with other students who love music, too.”
Academically, Sai says he loves the sciences and would like to study biology and conservation at a liberal arts college in the United States, where he spends his summers.
VERSION
Music students participate in in-person, cross-campus collaborations such as Dwight’s annual Global Concert, to showcase their musical talents, cultures, and traditions.
Theater and performing arts are a popular opportunity for students.
“We rehearse in class, and conduct ensemble games where students have to communicate using facial expressions, for example. There is a tremendous amount of community building and student initiated movement-based rapport,” said Ms. Letourneau-Bentz.
“In Middle School, we work with physical theater traditions, and every few weeks students select a global theater event and research one that resonates with them. Some explored styles and techniques include puppetry traditions such as Bunraku and Chinese Shadow Plays, Commedia dell’arte, and Black Acting Methods. We also discuss, ‘What is comedy, what makes something funny, is there such a thing as universal humor?’”
