On Thursday, September 12, level five students at Tennyson Knolls Elementary (TKE) performed in front of a packed gym of students and parents. Celebrate the Beat (CTB) hires professional artist and musicians to come together and teach over 3,500 children annually thru choreographed dance.

“Dancing on top of the walls is what Celebrate the Beat emphasizes. Back in 2000, Tracy Straus, a Tony Award-winner and artistic associate at National Dance Institute in New York, was invited to Aspen Santa Fe Ballet to create Celebrate the Beat. Last year, CTB brought its programs to more than 3,500 children in 25 schools throughout Colorado and Mexico.”

CTB’s program in Mexico and its fantastic Lead Teacher, Colleen Macomber, are receiving international attention.

Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Tracy Straus and a handful of Celebrate The Beat dance instructors have the undivided attention of 120 kids, which explains why they speak clearly and succinctly.

That first summer, seven kids took part in Celebrate the Beat’s Pop Hop program and artistic director and founder Tracy Straus felt lucky to have that many.