Let’s Play! Virtual Edition

This weekly digital edition of Let's Play! Stories, songs and art, airs every Thursday at 4pm, from July 16th -- September 24th, 2020 on the ArtEcon Intiaitive YouTube Channel. They are then available ever after on our website, and YouTube, for parents and guardians to access whenever you need something to occupy the little ones.

Let's Play! is a free story time that (pre-Covid) was held monthly in person in varying locations in the Westville/West Rock neighborhood of New Haven, CT. As soon as it is safe to do so, we will resume in person gatherings. Until then, we are transitioning to the virtual stage.

Episodes 1-4: Stories + Dance with Alisa Bowens

The first four episodes are hosted by Alisa Bowens, Artist Director, Choreographer, Performer, Instructor and Owner of Alisa's House of Salsa.

About Alisa Bowens: Alisa started her dancing journey at the age of three years old. Ms.Bowens – who is a classically trained ballet, tap, and jazz dancer – studied with Gloria Jeans’ Dance Company (Home Of The Worid Tap Dance Champions) for over 16 years. This is where Alisa obtained her Dance Masters Of America (DMA), Professional Teaching Certificate. In the fall of 2000, after a career managing her family's general contracting business, Alisa returned to dance and started teaching at Southern Connecticut State University. In September of 2002, Alisa opened Alisa’s House of Salsa. She has had the privilege to introduce her storytelling program to pre-schools, children's museums, head-start and daycare programs throughout the Northeast.

Episodes are free and open to all. However, if you are able, please consider sending a donation directly to: Alisa's House of Salsa via PayPal (alisashouseofsalsa@gmail.com); Venmo (@alisashouseofsalsa); or Cashapp ($houseofsalsa). Every little bit will help her small business survive these challenging times.

In this episode, kids will have so much fun listening to Alisa read: "Let's Salsa / Bailemos Salsa," written by Lupe Ruiz-Flores, and illustrated by Robert Casilla, and then participating themselves in a mini-salsa dance lesson.

In this episode, Alisa reads: "Salsa," written by Lillian Colon-Vila, and illustrated by Roberta Collier-Morales, followed by a mini-dance lesson.

In this episode, kids will have so much fun listening to Alisa read: "Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa," written by Veronica Chambers, and illustrated by Julie Maren, and then participating themselves in a mini-dance lesson.

In this episode, kids will have so much fun listening to Alisa read a book all about Cuba, and then participating in a mini-dance lesson.

Episodes 5 - 9: Stories, songs + art with Jaime Kane

The next 5 episodes are hosted by beloved preschool teacher at Westville Community Nursery School, longtime Westville resident, and dedicated ArtWalk activator, Jaime Kane.

Episodes are free and open to all. However, if you are able, please consider sending a donation directly to: Westville Community Nursery School.

About Jaime Kane: Originally from Seaford, Long Island, Jaime settled in Westville with husband, Tim, following our years of study at Southern Connecticut State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees in Special Education. She has enjoyed working with children and adolescents through the years, as a Special Education teacher, home childcare provider, birthday party facilitator, camp counselor, and after school drama club director, to name a few of her many various educator hats!