From live performance to animated series

Nursery Groove (Children’s Network)

Before the pandemic, students ages 8-18 spent an average of 12 hours a day sitting. Then, with remote virtual learning and other social distancing guidelines, the pandemic had the potential to revert all progress made by Michelle Obama’s task force on child obesity established in 2010. So, we decided to create Nursery Groove; a network where imagination becomes kinesthetic learning and exercise through dance, music, and rhythmic lessons.

Our team acknowledges the observations of developmental psychologist and educational researcher Howard Gardner, who in the 1980s highlighted that individuals approach learning differently and children especially can learn best when their primary learning style is recognized. Although Dr. Gardner claims there are seven learning styles, Nursery Groove will focus on three: Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic, with a heavy focus on kinesthetic learning. Research has shown that there’s a strong link between movement and memory, and we live for the deep learning that occurs during the process of doing. With the hands-on experiences of our content, viewers can expect to learn by imitating animals, exploring artistic disciplines, or simply jumping around to songs about daily activities.

Nursery Groove productions seek to bring fun and physical awareness into the learning experience. Our physical awareness represents our mind and body as one and how we respond (behavior) to outside stimulants. Our body language, posture, and our expressions are direct indicators of how we feel about ourselves. The benefits of having body awareness help us understand the body’s signals in relation to what you hold within. Realizing your own breathing and other physical sensations fosters a pathway for changes in responses to overwhelming feelings. Nursery Groove will foster this awareness by focusing on the Open Kinetic Chain in our movement lessons, which involves a combination of joints (spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles). Strengthening these targeted joints and muscles is important for increasing stability and mobility, creating a stronger, more confident self.

That brings us to our Animal Dance Kingdom project. The interactive performance Animal Dance Kingdom, originally created by Trend N Motion for Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts Winter programming, has transformed into a virtual program for private schools and community events due to the pandemic. The inactivity of live performances and the increase in remote showcases birthed the question: What if Animal Dance Kingdom were an animated series?

Original Live Performance:

https://vimeo.com/471669887

Password: adk

We are asking for the community's help to raise $100,000 to assist with our road map to achieving this cartoon creation.

STEP #1 Animal Dance Kingdom: Safari Party Activity Book (11k)

The integration of dance, nature, and technology. This activity book, partnered with a virtual performance, is filled with lessons, mazes, quizzes, and art activities about Lions, Zebras, Elephants, and Bunnies.

STEP #2 Animal Dance Kingdom Live Production

Trend N Motion is partnering with Circus Up to create a live intergenerational production. Animal Dance Kingdom is an interactive show that blends Open Kinetic Chain methodology with fun, focusing on improving joint and muscle coordination.

STEP #3 Animal Dance Kingdom Adventure: Graphic Novel

Two siblings stumble across a magical Animal World in their attic. For some strange reason, in this world, the creatures appear backwards and confused. Witness the young brother and sister learn to regulate their feelings as they unravel secrets of nature to piece Animal Dance Kingdom back together.

STEP #4 Animated Series