Slivinski, Josette D'Ambrosi
Mrs. Josette D'Ambrosi Slivinski
Dance Teacher
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Where she lives: Manhattan
Teaching since: 2003
At P.S. 8 since: 2005
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"Putting up a show teaches a lot about life: You focus, you learn teamwork, and by rehearsing you finally present a perfect result, which you get praised for." Mrs. Slivinski sums up the educational value of dance in a nutshell, adding, "The applause builds up self-confidence."
Mrs. D. (an abbreviated maiden name; the kids just never got used to Slivinski) is a real talent, and the kids LOVE her. She inspires their interest in dance by putting together amazing shows in which first graders shine at ballroom dancing or nutcracker ballet moves and second graders perform tap ensembles. But her talents extend far beyond P.S. 8: Mrs. D sings in the USO, auditions for musicals, and hosts a neighborhood journal on a local cable channel. "I love all of that, so why not?" she says with a smile.
Josette Slivinski was born in Brooklyn and attended Stuyvesant High School, where she was strongly involved in what she refers to as the "artsy subjects." She even performed for the pope with her choir. After she went to Boston College to earn her Masters degree in Communications, she turned to advertising for many years, only to realize that she was working too much for too little money and missing out on what she really enjoyed the most: singing and dancing. So her mother, a teacher, encouraged her to start teaching dance part-time. She received her teaching credits through workshops, and was finally certified as a public school teacher. Starting in 2003, she taught dance and physical education at M.S. 447, District 15's Math and Science Exploratory School. Olivia Ellis, PS.8's former assistant principal, saw one of her middle school shows and begged for her to join P.S. 8. Mrs. D. loves the elementary school schedule and enjoys the enthusiastic kids--while reveling in the fact that she still has time and energy for her showbiz life.
Posted on: February 7, 2008
