SLIDE SHOW: P.S. 234 Dance Performances

A 2nd grade class performs a dance based on Alexander Calder's sculptural circus made of wire models. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib

A kaleidescope of dance, painting and music debuted at P.S. 234 last month. For the 2nd and 3rd graders who performed in separate concerts, the shows—delighting two packed houses of parents—were the picture of freedom and fun.

Each of the five 2nd grade classes chose a famous work of art and the 3rd grade classes found their inspiration in Keith Haring’s cartoonish figures. Col­laborating with art teacher Pat DeMarco, dance teacher Christie Newman helped them turn visual art into movement.

“They thought about the lines, the shapes that they see, what it brought to mind,” said Newman, shown above directing a 2nd-grade class. “And it’s not about a right answer or a wrong answer. It’s about thinking about things in a different way.”