For over 30 years, The Ursuline School in New Rochelle (NY) has been a proud center of Italian language and culture, where middle and high school students discover the beauty of learning Italian through creativity, curiosity, and community.
Under the passionate leadership of Ms. LaGumina and her dedicated colleagues, Ms. De Lucia and Ms. Faustini, the Italian Department has built a program that celebrates not only grammar and vocabulary, but also the soul of Italy, its art, music, and traditions.
This week, the school welcomed Simona Rodano “La Fata Italiana: The Italian Fairy,” internationally acclaimed artist and educator who brings language to life through music, storytelling, and movement. The celebration began in the school library, where nearly one hundred students gathered to learn about the joyful rhythms of the tarantella. With laughter and enthusiasm, they joined in the dance, stepping, clapping, and moving together in a circle of sound and friendship.
Soon after, the celebration continued at the school’s grand entrance, where an even larger group of students filled the space with smiles, music, and energy. Guided by the Italian Fairy, they followed the choreography and experienced firsthand how language, music, and culture intertwine to create a sense of unity and joy.
Throughout the day, one could feel a powerful message shining through every note and movement: kindness, appreciation, and the belief that languages are bridges to peace.
The visit of La Fata Italiana reminded everyone at The Ursuline School that learning a language is not only an academic pursuit, it’s a celebration of connection, empathy, and the beauty of our shared humanity.
