A. B. Miller Dance Program

With all that has happened over the last few months, this right here makes it all worth it. "I can definitely say, dance will win, regardless of what the situation is. Dance helped me get through Bootcamp, by knowing my body and understanding how to move, it helped me through the physical challenges of recruit training. The Work Experience projects (project based learning) which I dearly loved, helped me think critically on the tasks given to me, especially during stressful ...and quick decision making. I am able to speak to Marines who are higher in rank and are officers with confidence. Plus, the simple fact that a dancer isn’t just physically capable but also is mentally smart. This gave me the advantages on the testing and knowledge I needed to successfully complete Bootcamp. Dance won in all aspects for me. Dance is why I am here." Steven Sayson, AB Miller Conservatory of Dance Class of 2020, US Marines

A.B. Miller Dance made me a confident, hard-working, and independent individual. - Kayla, class of 2020 There has to be a belief and a commitment to the idea that exceptional people are made from opportunity. If you are truly all in, you provide the opportunity. You take chances on people and you keep making a way when others say there is no way.

Creativity is not optional.

Life is all about being willing to change. To grow. This pandemic has truly stretched us. It has weakened some and strengthened others. What we know now is that we have all been changed by this "new normal". Every day, we become more clear that while it is new, it is certainly not normal for children. Since that fateful day in March 2020, it has been the mission of AB Miller Dance to care for kids in extraordinary ways. The little tiny boxes that became our dance studio bec...ame a place to cry, a space to heal, a space to laugh and most importantly a space to stay engaged in their education, connected to their school, fellow dancers and their dance teachers. We "returned" to school this year with the threat of AB Miller Dance changing in ways that remove dance from students lives and limit the equity and access in which students have access to dance. The decisions were made without regard to the simple fact that these students in this "pandemic generation" are going to need MORE connection, MORE creative outlets and MORE ways to express themselves. In most classes these days, the cameras stay off but in dance class they flicker on and stay on. Why? These kids know they NEED DANCE. Here are some students who want to tell you WHY they need AB Miller Dance.... Join the movement to Save AB Miller Dance. https://www.change.org/p/fontana-unified-school-district-sa

"They knew we were comin' ya'll!" We are coming for representation. We are coming because dance should represent more than 2% of arts programming statewide. We are coming because creativity should never just be an "option".... We comin' y'all.... #saveabmillerdance

Join the movement..... Sign the petition. Send a public comment. Because.....creativity is not optional. ... Like our page and find out ways you can support us.

This is why......REPRESENTATION MATTERS. Let us do what we have been doing for 25 years. It works. Its good for kids and its good for AB MILLER HIGH SCHOOL.

For weeks the AB Miller Dance Coalition/Save AB Miller Dance has asked WHY? Why is 25 year old successful dance program being slowly eliminated in class sections and faculty? Tonight, they came together to stand in solidarity with the AB Miller Dance Program at the Fontana Unified School District office in a drive by parade.They were greeted with school police and barricades. Dancers and their familes........... Join the movement. Sign petition. Creativity is not optional. https://www.change.org/p/fontana-unified-school-district-/c

DRIVE-BY PARADE info #weareabmillerdance #saveABMillerdance

This is why...... REPRESENTATION MATTERS.

Save AB Miller Dance is a grassroots community and alum based group started by approximately 100 graduates of AB Miller Dance this fall after learning about the elimination of dance courses and faculty at AB Miller. The group has grown to over 500 dedicated community members, parents, students, administrators alumni and educators who believe in the power of arts education. While AB Miller Dance or Director of Dance Nicole Robinson are not part of the operation, planning and ...strategy of Save AB Miller Dance, we do support the dialogue and passion of this group of incredible supporters. Their message is clear and one that AB Miller Dance wishes to communicate as well: AB Miller Dance has been a cornerstone of arts education in Fontana Unified and the Inland Empire for decades. The group is simply asking the administration at AB Miller support what has been working and has been good for students since 1995. The graduation rates prove our success. The student engagement prove our success and the roster of college graduates prove our success. Join the movement......

Dance education is an art form that is usually among the hardest to access in public schools. Only 2 percent of secondary students in California are enrolled in school dance classes. Less than half of the students who qualify for free and reduced lunch receive access to arts education. Our most VULNERABLE students have the least access to a content area that has proven over and over again to improve mental health, increase graduation rates and foster student engagement. In... the midst of a pandemic, all around the country we are seeing a reduction in the very classes that are most needed right now. The very classes that might well save some kids lives and empower them. Chew on that for a bit....check the stats yourself. Then, join the movement.... https://www.change.org/p/fontana-unified-school-district-sa #weareabmillerdance #saveabmillerdance #creativityisnotoptional

Join the movement.....

In 1995, a challenge was presented by a principal who wanted a variety of rigorous arts on his campus. To bring dance education to a community that did not have many opportunities in the arts. In November 1995, that challenge was taken. Since that time, AB Miller Dance has been a cornerstone where thousands of students have found their passion, discovered their voice, and dance became a vehicle which would provide opportunities beyond the walls of high school that would sur...Continue reading