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The visit to Léman Chengdu was a rich exchange of thoughts and ideas on pedagogy and the performing arts. One highlight, was the wonderful opportunity to dance with students in Y1 and Y10-11 in the demonstration lessons I led using Juilliard Creative Classroom. I saw the students shine as they expressed themselves creatively through movement!
- Donna Costello, Juilliard Dance Curriculum Specialist
"Having worked with Léman International School Chengdu for several years, it’s inspiring to see the remarkable growth of the performing arts department. The students’ enthusiasm and creativity in class reflect the school’s continued and growing commitment to the arts and the Juilliard Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme. Students’ openness to explore and take creative risks shows a growing confidence and passion for the performing arts.”
"A unique highlight of this visit was its interdisciplinary nature, with all three Juilliard Curriculum Specialists on campus at the same time. This created rich opportunities for cross-department collaboration and professional development between dance, drama, music, and visual arts. It was a fantastic celebration of the ever-growing performing arts culture at Léman International School Chengdu."
- Nick Mahmat, Senior Drama Curriculum Specialist, The Juilliard School K–12 Programs and Initiatives
It was wonderful to return to Léman Chengdu and work with the talented, dedicated performing arts staff and students. A particular highlight for me was witnessing the confidence and risk-taking of the instrumental ensemble, as they prepare for the upcoming Virtual Young Musician competition. They had me grooving in my seat!
I felt fortunate to return to Léman Chengdu and see what a strong presence music has at the school! From creating animal calls with the Year 1 students to experimenting with dissonant harmony with Year 10 and 11, I was inspired by their creativity and engagement.
—Andrea Lee, Senior Music Curriculum Specialist, The Juilliard School K–12 Programs and Initiatives
Over two inspiring days, Léman International School Chengdu welcomed three curriculum specialists from The Juilliard School—Nick Mahmat (Drama), Donna Costello (Dance), and Andrea Lee (Music). Their visit brought our Arts season theme, Drawn to Discovery, vividly to life, placing reflection, curiosity, and artistic growth at the centre of learning across Drama, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts.
This year also marks an important milestone: Léman’s collaboration with Juilliard is now in its 10th year. The longevity of the partnership was felt throughout the visit—not as a showcase, but as a shared way of working grounded in trust, reflection, and continuous growth.
Reflection as a Pathway to Discovery
A central focus of the visit was reflection and metacognition. During a professional learning session with the Arts team, teachers explored how reflection can function as an active learning tool—supporting students to articulate choices, respond to challenge, and understand their own growth.
This thinking carried directly into classrooms through the launch of the Year 9 Reflection Project, where students began examining their artistic development and future pathways with intention. Music teacher Mr. Michael Wong identified this as a highlight of the visit, simply naming “the Year 9 reflection” as a favourite moment.
Visual Arts teacher Ms. Eunice Asembo shared her pride in how students responded:
“The ability of the Year 9 class to take on different assignments and work through them—following instructions like I have never seen them and being in the moment. I was proud of their high levels of participation during the reflection sessions.”
Discovery in Practice: From Design to Performance
The spirit of Drawn to Discovery was especially visible in rehearsals for The Kid Who Couldn’t Stop Drawing. As specialists observed and joined warm-ups, students explored how movement, voice, design, and ensemble storytelling emerge through experimentation. Much like the story itself—where creativity becomes a way of understanding the world—students discovered new possibilities by staying curious and reflective throughout the process.
Ms. Eunice highlighted a powerful learning moment during scenic design work:
“High levels of focus and collaboration during the Year 10/11 scenic design activity—construction.”
She also reflected on her own professional growth, noting, “I grew from tips given by Nick on how to manage content discourse with the Year 8 class.”
Donna Costello also supported the launch of the Upper Primary Dance Ensemble, who will participate in Juilliard’s Feet First project, inviting younger students into a discovery-led process through movement.
Musical Discovery Across Age Groups
In Music, Andrea Lee observed both primary strings and secondary ensembles. Mr. Wong described seeing students stretch musically when “the Year 10/11 students were challenged when it came to harmonies, especially dissonance. They were exposed to harmony which were unfamiliar to them.” These experiences encouraged students to listen differently, adapt quickly, and support one another as an ensemble.
For younger students, discovery was just as present. Music teacher Ms. Silvia Zhang shared,
“One of my favourite moments was seeing how confidently the Year 1 students responded to feedback from the Juilliard specialist, Ms. Andrea.”
She added, “I was especially proud of how Year 2A students stayed focused, open-minded, and willing to try new ideas, even when challenged.”
For her, the experience was “a strong reminder of how much growth can happen when string students step outside their comfort zone.”
Teachers as Reflective Learners
The visit also reinforced the idea that reflection fuels professional growth. Teachers valued the opportunity to have their practice observed and discussed, gaining insights that will continue to inform classroom learning long after the visit.
As Ms. Eunice Asembo reflected:
“Having my class observed by a Juilliard specialist and gathering insights on how to improve my pedagogical skills.”
A Partnership Built on Growth
Reflecting on the collaboration, Performing Arts Lead Stephen Delano shared:
“What makes our partnership with Juilliard so powerful—especially as we enter its tenth year—is that it’s not about importing a ‘finished product.’ It’s about shared thinking. Our teachers and students are constantly invited to reflect, question, and refine their practice. That kind of collaboration keeps the Arts alive, relevant, and deeply human.”
Continuing the Journey
The Juilliard visit was not a standalone event, but part of a wider commitment to reflection and purposeful learning at Léman. Through our season theme Drawn to Discovery, students are learning that creativity is not about having all the answers—but about noticing, questioning, and reflecting along the way.
In classrooms, studios, and on stage—particularly in productions like The Kid Who Couldn’t Stop Drawing—students are discovering that reflection is what allows creativity to grow, deepen, and truly matter.
