15 days ago
Pilar Wilder uses the call of the drums to guide her students in life.
"The dances have meanings and these dances help to teach the children more about themselves about culture and about how to be a better person," said Wilder.
Through her studio, Hayiya Dance Theatre, Wilder invites children into the world of rhythm and motion, a place some might not see, feel or hear otherwise.
"This is an opportunity for children who wouldn't be able to afford or have the opportunity for some other reason," she said.
Wilder says some students, like Jerica Solomon, dance on full or partial scholarships. Solomon says through the movements she learns things she wouldn't in a classroom.
"It teaches you strength and courage and just life lessons that you wouldn't learn in school," said Solomon.
Another student, Kandice Pritchard, comes to class from the Methodist Children's Home. She says she takes what she picks up in class and shares it with others.
"Lots of people at the Methodist home ask me how do I do at my dancing and I say good I'm good and they want to see my dances and stuff like that and see if they want to try them," said Pritchard.
Wilder and her students also create beats with African instruments. She says in her classes children learn there's nothing they can't do.
"They never knew they had it in them and this is an opportunity for them to grow a little bit inside," she said, and that's something that helps them to aim high.
"She's like the main example of how my life's going to be when I grow up," said Pritchard.
Wilder says she also teaches free classes through organizations like the Girl Scouts and the Bibb County School System. She hopes to turn the program into a non-profit organization so she can apply for grants and reach more children.
