Sapana Raval (center) is joined by Burlington Township Mayor E.L. “Pete” Green and Councilwoman Patricia “Trish” Siboczy, as well as students who were part of a World Music in Schools performance last month.
The energy inside Burlington Township Middle School on May 28 was palpable as students performed their final folk dance showcase, the culmination of an arts residency program designed to celebrate cultural diversity through music and movement.
Voorhees resident, community leader and folk-dance educator Sapana Raval looked on as eighth-grade students dazzled their families and peers with traditional Indian Garba and Dandiya Raas performances, after weeks of learning through the World Music in Schools program.
“This final performance was an incredibly rewarding moment,” recalled Raval, who is also a member of the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee and the Lions Club. “Watching the students express themselves so confidently and joyfully through these traditional dances was a beautiful testament to their growth and creativity.”
Raval is part of the inaugural artist cohort for the music program, a collaborative initiative between Perkins Center for the Arts and Local Learning Inc., a type of evidence-based learning. Designed to bring multicultural arts into New Jersey schools, the program pairs professional artists with educators to create immersive, hands-on learning experiences that span music, dance and cultural storytelling.
The middle school hosted two artists for the May session: a master Indian Tabla (drumming) performer and Raval, a master Indian folk-dance educator. Over the course of the residency, students learned not only the technical aspects of the dances but also their cultural context and historical significance.
“Our main goal was to foster a deeper understanding of diversity and promote cultural appreciation through the arts,” Raval explained. “I believe we absolutely achieved that here in Burlington Township.”
Preparation for the program was as intricate as the dances themselves. Raval created a curriculum tailored to middle schoolers, complete with costume planning, rhythm training and lessons on the cultural roots of each dance. Students progressed from uncertain beginners to confident performers, culminating in a dynamic and synchronized showcase..
“One of the most powerful moments for me was seeing the students move in perfect unison during a particularly challenging routine,” Raval said. “It was more than just a performance, it was a proud showcase of teamwork, growth and cultural expression.”
While the music residency wasn’t without its challenges -including varying skill levels and some initial reluctance among students – Raval said she met those obstacles with differentiated instruction and a focus on storytelling.
Dance educator Sapana Raval dressed in traditional Indian attire for dance performances in the music program.
“By the end, students were not only dancing with more skill, but they were connecting with each other and the culture in such a meaningful way,” she added.
Feedback from students, parents and staff was overwhelmingly positive, Raval said.
“People were impressed by the vibrant costumes and the energy of the students,” she noted, while acknowledging areas for improvement, such as smoother transitions between group dances. “It’s something we’ll build on moving forward.”
Programs like World Music in Schools, Raval believes, play an essential role in shaping a well-rounded education.
“Representation matters,” she emphasized. “Exposure to global cultures fosters empathy, encourages critical thinking and prepares students to become responsible global citizens.”
Looking ahead, Raval hopes to expand the program to other schools and is considering launching a folk- dance club to continue momentum built during the music residency.
“I’m excited to explore new dance styles, connect with more students, and bring this joy to even more communities,” she offered. “There’s nothing quite like seeing young people light up through the arts.”
For more information about the World Music in Schools program or upcoming cultural arts residencies in South Jersey, visit www.perkinsarts.org.
