Union School Celebrates Traditional May Day

Celebrating May Day with dancing and May pole weaving is a Union School annual tradition. Every grade level danced and the fourth graders wove the May pole and performed the North Skeleton Sword Dance. Union School string players provided live accompaniment for all the dances. Families, friends, and community members were present to enjoy this festive event.

Music teacher Kate Smallidge and string teacher Janet Fantozzi collaborated on the selection of dances and fiddle tunes. Smallidge taught the dances and the May Pole weaving during the students’ general music classes and Fantozzi taught the fiddle tunes during the students’ string lessons.

“The learning process behind all of these May Day dances allowed the students to work together as a team by responding to the form of the music and anticipating what comes next,” said Smallidge. “Most importantly, they had so much fun learning these dances.  It was a joy to stand back and watch them take on leadership roles.”

"Our string students begin asking me in September when they will learn the May Day ‘Fiddle’ tunes,” said Fantozzi. “The centuries old tradition of live fiddling is very appealing to young music students."

In another Union School May Day tradition, students brought flowers from their gardens and these were made into small bouquets. Kindergarten students then gave bouquets to all of the women in the audience.

“Long standing traditions like the May Day dance are part of what makes Union School special,” said Principal Lynn Katz. “Kate Smallidge, Janet Fantozzi, and all our parent volunteers went above and beyond to create a beautiful and festive experience for all.”

Text submitted by Jessica Lister.