WVMS celebrates Foreign Language Week with annual cultural assembly

Every year, the first week of March is designated as Foreign  Language Week at Warwick Valley Middle School. During this time, students explore a variety of cultures and traditions from around the world, and the contributions they make to the global community! Foreign Language Week celebrations underscore the value of foreign language study, which Warwick Valley students can begin in seventh grade, choosing from Spanish, French and even Mandarin Chinese.

The middle school hosted its annual Foreign Language Week assembly on Tuesday, which once again focused strongly on cultural dance. It opened with a lively salsa demonstration and contest led by Dance Studio of Chester’s Matthew Hernandez and his mother. Seventh-grader, Finn, and eighth-grader, John, faced off in a six-step routine that featured a salsa step called the "Susie Q." The dance-off ended in a tie.

After another spirited salsa number by Mr. Hernandez and his mom, Mr. Hernandez welcomed a surprise guest -- Warwick Valley’s own, Renee Gouveia! Ms. Gouveia showed off the dance skills she has acquired during two-plus years of salsa lessons with Mr. Hernandez.

Next, students from the Warwick Center for the Performing Arts demonstrated ballet fundamentals on the barre, including first, second and third positions. The dancers also demonstrated moves such as the “piqué” (a quick leg lift, as if being pricked by a thorn) and “fondu” (a smooth, melting-like battement). Four soloists from the troupe then performed pieces they had prepared for recent competitions.

Afterward, Northern Academy High School students impressed everyone with a traditional Mongolian dance, balancing cups delicately atop their heads.

The assembly concluded with dancers from Fei Tian College in Middletown, returning participants in the WVMS World Language Week assembly. Their performance honored ancient Chinese “superheroes,” inspired by the poem Ode to Gallantry, and featured dynamic acrobatic skills. Their graceful -- and sometimes high-flying moves -- brought the annual celebration to a truly awe-inspiring close.