A Day of Dance, Discovery, and Dining at Meredith

On Friday, December 12, Raleigh Dance Theatre invited local elementary school students to attend a special performance of The Nutcracker at Meredith College. Among the invited schools was Exploris Elementary School, whose third-grade class experienced not only an engaging introduction to ballet but also a memorable visit to Meredith’s campus.

The 40-minute educational performance featured the second half of The Nutcracker and went beyond the stage. Dancers taught the students basic ballet movements and invited two children from each school to join them onstage to help lead the interactive portion. For many students, it was their first time seeing a live ballet performance.

The day became even more special thanks to the generosity of Meredith Dining. Jayme Aimalefoa, director of dining services, sponsored lunch for the entire Exploris third grade, including teachers. For many of the children, it was their first experience in a dining hall. 

Once inside, the students were amazed by the variety of food choices and the welcoming environment. To top it off, dining staff surprised the group with ice cream cups, adding an extra layer of joy to an already unforgettable day.

“I am deeply committed to building community, and I believe that work must begin at a young age. The people who live in our community matter greatly to us. It was truly an honor to welcome these young people into our dining hall and share a meal with them,” said Aimalefoa. “Seeing their faces light up at the variety of food—especially the ice cream—was incredibly rewarding. Providing this meal was a small but meaningful way to treat these young people and have them be a part of a great experience.”

The gratitude was mutual. The students brought handwritten thank-you notes for Belk Dining Hall staff, including one for President Sapp, sharing their appreciation for their day at Meredith.

The visit was a powerful example of how Meredith’s outreach experiences can be meaningful. Raleigh Dance Theatre rented the space for the young students to come learn, and Meredith Dining’s heartfelt hospitality showcased the impact of opening campus doors to the community and left a lasting impression on a group of future college students.