NCDT REACH! Program

NCDT REACH! is North Carolina Dance Theatre’s nationally recognized outreach dance scholarship program for children ages 7 to 10.

The NCDT REACH! program makes quality dance training accessible to minority, male and female students, with evidenced financial need and little if any previous dance experience, who demonstrate a natural talent for movement and the potential to be trained in dance. The program affords children the opportunity to access quality dance training in their neighborhoods, free of charge, promoting self-esteem, discipline, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the arts.

Open auditions are held each year for NCDT REACH! and selection is determined based on three criteria- natural abilities/ the potential to be trained in dance, financial need and family commitment to the program. Students selected for NCDT REACH! attend two classes, once a week for twenty-nine consecutive weeks, at one of four Park and Recreation centers, and all first- year students receive dance attire at no charge to their families. Students and their parents also receive tickets to select NC Dance Theatre’s professional dance performances.

NCDT Reach! was launched in 2009 through a $78,000 grant from the Women’s Impact Fund (WIF). The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department partners with Dance Theatre to promote the program and to provide sites for the classes at the Albemarle Road Recreation Center, Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, Ivory Baker Recreation Center and Naomi Drenan Recreation Center.

In 2011 NCDT REACH! won a program achievement award from the National Association of County Organizations (NACo).

NCDT REACH! Goals and Objectives

• Increase self-discipline and work ethic
• Provide access to professional dance performances
• Provide audition opportunities
• Enhance socialization and problem solving skills
• Increase classroom attendance
• Engage participants’ families
• Provide class materials (dance shoes, attire) free of charge
• Build appreciation for cultural diversity

NCDT REACH! Teaching Artists
Ballet: Melissa Word
Musical Theatre Jazz: Tammy Fox
Afro-Modern: Jillian Jones             

Videos

Partners and Sponsors

                        

     

NCDT REACH! Audition Information

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NCDT REACH! Year-End Performance

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The Charlotte Observer features story on NCDT REACH!>

More Information
Contact April Berry, director of education and outreach, 704.372.0101x2767.