Assemblywoman for District 2, Maureen Rowan, Supports the Arts in Education at a Young Audiences Performance at Washington Avenue School in Pleasantville, NJ

On January 9, 2026, Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) hosted Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan at an engaging performance showcasing the impact of arts in education. It was just a few days before official swearing in to the NJ Legislature. 

L to R: Christian Walker (HHF); Ben Barnes (HHF); Michele Russo President & CEO at YA; Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan; Dr. Cynthia Ruiz-Cooper Principal at Washington Avenue School; Tara Bach Art Teacher at Washington Avenue School; Josh Verway (HHF, back); Jerry Valme (HHF, front).

Rowan, known for her strong support of education, and commitment to District 2, spent time observing the success of YA’s R.A.I.S.E. initiative, which focuses on implementing culturally responsive arts residencies to enhance student learning and engagement.

The teaching artist, Ben Barnes from Hip Hop Fundamentals, has been teaching the workshop Fundamental Rhythms at Washington Avenue School in Pleasantville, NJ for the past few months. The workshop is part of a national initiative called R.A.I.S.E. (Responsive Arts in School Education) that explores in-depth, customized, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive arts in education residencies. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Washington Avenue School is a long-time partner of Young Audiences and received a NJ Governor’s Award in Arts Education in June 2024.

On January 9, the workshop concluded with an event that celebrated the dance residency, welcoming family members, caregivers, and the school community. The students performed their original choreography and became ambassadors for dance by sharing their knowledge of the history, background and elements of hip hop dance. 

The Fundamental Rhythms workshop inspires confidence and teamwork with students by teaching them basic hip hop dance moves. The students also created their own choreography in addition to exploring the American art form of breakdancing. This workshop is designed to build self-confidence and reinforce the idea that you can do anything you put your mind to doing.

The creativity and confidence that this workshop inspired was recently featured on WHYY’s “Creativity Sparks Success Series.”

YA was thrilled to share this experience with arts advocate Assemblywoman Elect for District 2, Maureen Rowan, who is a respected and accomplished trial attorney who practiced law for 35 years. She is committed to high-quality public education in Atlantic County. 

Additional representatives joined Rowan, including YA President & CEO Michele Russo, Principal Dr. Cynthia Ruiz-Cooper, Art Teacher Tara Bach, and Hip Hop Fundamentals Members Ben Barnes, Jerry Valme, Christian Walker, and Josh Verway.

“It was a tremendous delight to share this inspiring performance with Assemblywoman Elect Maureen Rowan. Her commitment as an arts advocate and dedication to high-quality public education are invaluable. Seeing her connect with the students and witness the power of YA arts education programs in action reinforces the vital role that deep, culturally responsive arts residencies play in building student confidence and community,” shared Michele Russo, President & CEO, YA.

Members of Hip Hop Fundamentals with Michele Russo, YA President & CEO and Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan.

Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://app.air.inc/a/b099f9d14