Hope college dance team celebrates reading posing in themed costumes

On Friday, November 22, Allegan Area ESA and Big Read Lakeshore teamed up for the second year to bring the Little Read Art Experience to life, welcoming 400 enthusiastic 3rd-grade students from across Allegan County to downtown Allegan.

The event centered on Dreamers by Yuyi Morales, a beautifully illustrated children’s book that celebrates dreams, resilience, and the immigrant experience. With its poignant themes, the book inspired a full day of artistic and cultural exploration. students raise hands inside theatre

Big Read Lakeshore is an annual community-wide reading initiative led by Hope College, with a mission to foster a culture where reading matters in Ottawa, Allegan, and Muskegon counties. This program fosters connection and dialogue through shared experiences with literature, promoting understanding across diverse perspectives.

Each year, Big Read Lakeshore selects a compelling book to inspire events that engage readers of all ages. Their Little Read program, tailored to younger audiences, provides opportunities in Allegan County like the Little Read Field Trip to introduce children to the joy of reading while connecting them to their communities through art and storytelling.

The day kicked off with an engaging performance by Hope College’s Strike Time Dance Company at the historic Griswold Auditorium. This dynamic team, specializing in performances for students in grades K–6, captivated the young audience with a lively showcase of music and movement. The dancers’ energetic storytelling left students spellbound, offering a glimpse into how diverse art forms like dance can convey powerful narratives. students cross the walking path over allegan river

Following the performance, students embarked on a self-guided theme walk featuring six interactive stops along a scenic downtown walking path. Each stop highlighted elements of the Dreamers story, encouraging students to reflect on the beauty of dreams and the vibrant downtown community. The walking tour invited participants to engage their imaginations, discover new perspectives, and experience Allegan’s charm in a unique way.

This collaboration between Allegan Area ESA and Big Read Lakeshore emphasizes the transformative power of literature and the arts. By immersing students in experiences that blend storytelling, performance, and community exploration, the Little Read Art Experience reinforces the importance of dreams and creativity in shaping young minds.

As students departed, their excitement and curiosity made it clear that the day’s events left a lasting impression—one that will spark their imaginations for years to come.

For more about Big Read Lakeshore and their impactful programs, visit bigreadlakeshore.com.