L/A Arts strives to enhance school curriculum and to stir students’ imaginations. Helping the arts organization achieve that goal are four artists-in-residence: dancer/choreographer Debi Irons, author Margy Burns Knight and illustrator Anne Sibley O’Brien, and storyteller/mime Antonio Rocha.

Beginning March 19, Irons will work with students in East Auburn Elementary School. Also on March 19, Knight and O’Brien will begin working with Martel Elementary School classes. Then on March 26, Rocha will give a performance at Longley Elementary School in Lewiston.

Irons has more than 20 years experience in all aspects of the dance world. She has created a method of dance education that encourages dancers to develop personal creativity and expression along with healthy technique. East Auburn students will have the opportunity to dance to popular music as they learn contemporary moves infused with jazz, ballet and hip-hop. Each class will spend at least two sessions with the energetic dancer. There will be an opportunity for sharing and performance in a final culminating session.

Knight and O’Brien are Maine-based artists who have worked together on several books, including “Who Belongs Here?An American Story” (1993) about a Cambodian refugee boy; “Talking Walls” (1992), “Africa is Not a Country” (with Mark Melnicove, 2000); and “Welcoming Babies” (1994). They will present a joint writing/illustrating workshop for third-graders.

Rocha will perform “Crossroads,” tales of adventure, wit, respect and wisdom from around the world, for Longley students in grades 4-6. Working through mask and mime, he will tackle matters of communication, self-esteem and respect.

For more information about any L/A Arts program, log on to www.laarts.org.