BY MANDY HOWARD When Alyssa Andersen of Wake Forest was 7 years old, she saw an Irish dance performance at a school talent show. From the dresses to the beautifully rhythmic steps, she was hooked. “I had no idea what I was getting involved with when she first started,” says Alyssa’s mom, Beth Andersen. “Unless you know…

BY JANICE LEWINE Arts education is essential for student success. Nationwide studies show that exposure to the arts 
not only supports development of cognitive, social-emotional and multisensory skills, but also improves academic outcomes and graduation rates, and enriches cultural understanding. Communicating through artistic expression also enables young people to empathize with others, improves greater social…