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Third graders at The Mandelstam School performed a dance inspired by Pakistani culture after months of immersive learning<\/p>\n
The performance was created with input from a family with Pakistani roots<\/p>\n
A video of the dance went viral, sparking conversation about the importance of the arts in school<\/p>\n
Learning about other cultures, at any age, can broaden perspectives and highlight the diverse, beautiful ways we view the world \u2014\u00a0and one school in Florida is aiming to do just that.<\/p>\n
The Mandelstam School in South Miami recently went viral after its third graders performed a dance inspired by and honoring Pakistani culture.<\/p>\n
During the routine, the young kids \u2014 dressed in colorful, traditional garments with smiles plastered across their faces \u2014 hit their marks after months of rehearsal. A few of the students even played instruments before rejoining the dance performance, which was set to an elaborate backdrop.<\/p>\n
Indi Avila, Head of School at The Mandelstam School, tells PEOPLE that the elementary school’s “World Culture program is something we build on all year long.”<\/p>\n
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The Mandelstam School Dance
Credit: Courtesy of Cristie Anne and The Mandelstam School<\/p>\n
Every year, each grade \u2014 from Pre-K4 through fifth grade \u2014 studies a different country through geography, history, research, visual art, music and dance, she explains. Its immersive, hands-on approach is designed to help students truly connect with what they’re learning.<\/p>\n
This year, all the third graders focused on Pakistan, but the school made sure to add another layer of collaboration.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur dance and music teachers, who bring an incredible level of creativity, care and expertise to these performances each year, worked closely together to bring it to life,” Avila shares. “In this case, they also partnered with a family in the class with Pakistani roots, who became a wonderful resource, helping deepen the students’ understanding and enriching both the learning and the choreography.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThis wasn’t something created just for a performance; it was the result of months of cross-curricular learning, with our teachers building a full cultural experience around Pakistan.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Mandelstam School Dance
Credit: Courtesy of Cristie Anne and The Mandelstam School<\/p>\n
When the students stepped on stage to perform the traditional dance, Avila says \u201cthe dance didn’t feel new to them. \u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cIt felt familiar. It was something they had already been living in the classroom.\u201d Avila tells PEOPLE. \u201cThat’s really why it comes across the way it does. It wasn’t about performing, it was about expressing something they already understood.\u201d<\/p>\n
Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.<\/p>\n The students themselves were \u201cgenuinely excited to share it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot because it had to be perfect, but because it felt like something they owned. What stands out most is how present and joyful they are,” she says. “They’re not waiting for cues or holding back. They’re fully engaged with each other and with what they’re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n The school posted a video of the performance to Instagram<\/a>, where it went viral, as users were shocked by the kids’ level of commitment.<\/p>\n “Wait this is not a dance school? This is a third grade class? Wow! They are amazing!” one user commented, as another chimed in, “I own a Bollywood dance company. Work with kids a lot. And these kids are sooo coordinated! Great job to whoever taught them and all the passion the kids put in as well.”<\/p>\n To Avila, the response has been \u201cincredible and honestly far beyond what we expected.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe’ve heard from people not just across the U.S., but around the world. One of the most interesting reactions has been how many viewers assumed the performers were children from Pakistani backgrounds, and were surprised to learn they’re actually students from a wide range of cultures here in Miami,” she says. “That really speaks to the level of respect and authenticity the students brought to it.”<\/p>\n The Mandelstam School Dance She notes that it also sparked a lot of conversations about the importance of the arts in schools.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople aren’t just reacting to a dance. They’re responding to what it represents: confident, expressive children who are deeply engaged in their learning,\u201d Avila says, noting that the private elementary school was created with \u201ca very intentional focus on developing the whole child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis moment really speaks to something bigger. In a diverse community like South Miami, learning about different cultures isn’t an extra; it’s essential,” Avila shares. “In a time where more learning is happening through screens, AI, and even homeschooling, it’s important to remember what children are capable of in the right environment.”<\/p>\n \u201cWhen they’re given opportunities to move, perform, collaborate and express themselves, they rise to it in ways that can’t be replicated digitally,” she adds. “That’s really what this video represents. It’s not just a performance, it’s a glimpse into what’s possible when education is built around the whole child.\u201d<\/p>\n Read the original article on People<\/a><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/7e8844559619faecbe56dbf9d1b27f4e.jpeg\"\/)
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Credit: Courtesy of Cristie Anne and The Mandelstam School<\/p>\n