Harper Creek Students to Experience Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Thanks to Local Grant Support

Students across Harper Creek Community Schools will have the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Hispanic culture this spring through the 3rd Annual Spanish Cultural Awareness Project, featuring a live performance by the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet. The event, scheduled for March 19, 2026, at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium, will immerse more than 746 students in grades 1–12 in authentic dance, music, and cultural traditions representing Spanish-speaking regions around the world. To ensure maximum impact, the program offers a dual-feature format: elementary students will attend the first segment, while middle and high school students will remain for an extended second feature. This year’s project is made possible thanks to the generous funding of the Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation, which awarded $4,700.67 in support of auditorium rental and transportation through the CISD Mini Grant Program. A heartfelt thank-you also goes to the Miller Foundation’s Bcreative Arts Field Trip Grant, which contributed $10,000 to underwrite the performance’s production costs. About the Hispanic Flamenco BalletHispanic Flamenco Ballet Ensemble, Inc. is a non-profit cultural arts organization based in Miami Beach, Florida, dedicated to enriching students’ global perspectives through Spanish- and Latin-dance programs. Their offerings include dynamic touring performances, educational study guides, and interactive assemblies tailored for K-12 settings. The organization has brought its vibrant, culturally immersive productions to schools across more than 39 states. 

“This performance brings language learning to life,” said Lesa Kenney, Beadle Lake Elementary Spanish teacher and project coordinator. “Students don’t just learn about culture — they see it, hear it, and feel it. And thanks to these grants, we can share this unforgettable experience with students beyond our own district.”Students will engage in pre-performance lessons to become familiar with key vocabulary, cultural traditions, and geographic context. Following the event, reflective activities such as drawing, writing, and discussions will help students process their experiences in both English and Spanish, drawing on State standards.

By exposing students to authentic cultural content early and offering extended engagement for older learners, the project aims to increase Spanish enrollment, deepen cultural empathy, and embed global awareness throughout the school community. The Harper Creek World Language team extends its deepest gratitude to the Binda Foundation, the Miller Foundation, Hispanic Flamenco Ballet, and all community partners for making this culturally rich endeavor possible. Their support empowers students to broaden horizons and engage with the world in meaningful ways.