This Spring saw the resumption of the much celebrated Hat Show and Tea Party at All Saints. Held in the church this wide ranging middle-school visual and performing arts event encompassed costume and hat design, tapestry making, self portraits, student-choreographed dance numbers and a variety of musical pieces including a unique “Body Percussion” piece.
Extended family members were invited to enjoy an afternoon tea while Grade 5 students displayed their millinery talents, Grade 6 presented their costumes and Grade 7 presented their tapestries. The visual artwork was inspired by the Futurism Movement, an early 20th century artistic movement that emphasized the dynamism, speed, energy and power of the machine and the vitality, change and restlessness of modern life. The students’ creations were inspired by the works of Umberto Boccioni, Giacomo Ballo and Gino Severini, amongst others. Grade 8 students displayed their elaborate self-portraits which they have been working on throughout the academic year.
Students benefit greatly from these opportunities to express themselves as it helps them to overcome typical adolescent shyness and to appreciate how empowering it can feel to use their skills to show who they are. On a practical level these sorts of events help students with their public speaking, performance and interview skills.