ABUNDANCE
Expressive Arts
ABUNDANCE Expressive Arts is a performing arts company created by
Performer/Choreographer/Arts Educator Jess Coffman, serving primarily elementary aged children.
We promote social emotional learning, literacy and community building through the performing arts by teaching students acting, singing, dancing, improvisational comedy, storytelling, story writing and performing.
ABUNDANCE Expressive Arts offers 10 week Dance and Theatre Workshops both during and after school with culminating performances for family and friends. When our Dance Workshops are used during the school day, they can satisfy Physical Education requirements for Elementary Schools.
Having Ms. Jessica Coffman (affectionately known as "Miss Jess") and her ABUNDANCE Expressive Arts dance program at Knolls Elementary was such a positive experience! Students, families, and the entire school community expressed thanks and gratitude! Students enjoyed their weekly dance classes, which Miss Jess tailored to grade level and developmental needs, and families loved the all-school student performance at the conclusion of our eight weeks! This opportunity to move, exercise, and learn dance patterns also provided a perfect environment for inclusion. Miss Jess incorporated anatomy and physiology education throughout her instruction...and this dance program assisted teachers in meeting their p.e. time requirements!
It was a Win-Win experience in every way!
-Dr. Jill Craft
Principal 2022-2023
Knolls Elementary
Social Emotional Learning
Students will be exposed to and be able to practice social emotional learning through the self awareness, personal expression, character development and storytelling necessary for acting. They will learn to express their authentic voices through singing songs. They will become aware and more comfortable with their bodies through dance. Concepts such as personal space, autonomy, consent, stretching, spatial awareness, authentic movement and joyous expression are learned through dance.
Miss Jess was a pleasure to work with! She related so well with students, soliciting their input from the beginning. They chose a song they liked and she encouraged them to contribute their ideas for choreography. She praised their effort and commended them for their stamina. On the day of the dance presentation, the students were excited to showcase their dancing to their families and peers.
Dance class every week with Miss Jess was fun!
- Angela D.
1st Grade Teacher
Knolls Elementary
Literacy
Students will improve their literacy and increase their vocabulary as we read the scripts, learn the lyrics for the songs and memorize both. They will also get the opportunity to practice performing in front of their peers and audiences which leads to an improvement in self esteem and the skills necessary to hold leadership roles.
Jess is an amazing dance teacher as she takes the students' perspectives and needs into creating an enjoyable experience for all. Her kindness, patience and empathy help to create an inclusive environment to learn dance.
- Amanda F.
Educator
Knolls Elementary
Community Building
Students will learn what it means to create a community that supports personal artistic development and artistic teamwork. Our dance and theatre workshops teach stage techniques such as stage directions, spatial awareness, solo and ensemble performance techniques, dance choreography, vocal warm-ups, vocal projection, ear training and singing techniques. Students will also learn to confidently express and become more emotionally connected to themselves and others.
Miss Jess with ABUNDANCE Expressive Arts taught a fun and engaging eight week dance program for all grade levels (TK - 6) at Knolls elementary during the 2022-23 school year. She was always prepared, energetic, and used great management strategies with all her students. The students loved working with her as she introduced them to new dance terminology and skills in a fun and engaging way. At the end of the eight weeks Miss Jess produced a dance concert for all the families to come and enjoy. It was well planned and organized and both students and families truly enjoyed the whole experience. As a teacher I truly enjoyed having a professional, skilled dance teacher come in to provide a high-level enrichment program for my students.
- Kelly McGowan
1st Grade Teacher
Knolls Elementary
Ashlee Miller (Knolls Elementary PTA) Dr. Youssef (Superintendent Simi Valley USD)
Jess Coffman (Owner/Instructor ABUNDANCE Expressive Arts)
Knolls Elementary Dance Presentation 2023
Mountain View Elementary Dance Presentation 2023
Jess is absolutely amazing! She came to my school and provided dance instruction to kids ranging TK-2nd grade. After our first class, my kids left with so much knowledge and even learned part of their dance. Each class is packed with warm-ups, teaching about different muscles/body parts being used, exercises, stretching, high-energy/age appropriate music, step by step dance moves, and so much more! Jess is there the day of the performance to dance with the kids and keep them going. The thing I loved most was the expectations were age appropriate. Her energy and positivity when working with the kids is unmatched. She truly loves what she does and it shows. I can’t wait for her to come back next year!
- Katie M.
1st Grade Teacher
Mountain View Elementary