News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Logan McSwain, communications manager
704.372.0101 x2765
lmcswain@ncdance.org
Grant will launch new Community Outreach Dance Program for Underserved Children
Charlotte, N.C. - North Carolina Dance Theatre received a $78,000 grant from the Women’s Impact Fund (WIF) to launch a new three year Community Outreach Dance Program for underserved children in Mecklenburg County. The Women’s Impact Fund awards high-impact grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 in five areas of charitable interest: arts and culture, education, environment, health, and human services.
“North Carolina Dance Theatre recognized that underserved children in our community have little access to dance. Through WIF’s support, our new Community Outreach Dance Program will provide children with an opportunity to study dance and experience its many benefits,” said President & Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. “I’ve wanted to do a program like this for years, and I look forward to being part of the audition process.”
North Carolina Dance Theatre’s Community Outreach Dance Program will provide free, accessible, high quality dance instruction and performance opportunities to 120 children, ages 8 to 10, in four geographically diverse areas of the county. Participants will also have access to professional dance performances. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is partnering with Dance Theatre to promote the program and to provide sites for the classes.
Selection for the Community Outreach Dance Program will be determined by audition, financial need and commitment of the parents to the program. Parental involvement will be emphasized in all aspects of the program, including orientations for parents and students prior to the program’s start.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant because it allows North Carolina Dance Theatre the opportunity to offer underserved children and families an accessible and comprehensive year-round dance program,” said Director of Education an Outreach April Berry. “This cultural arts program will engage children, their families and the neighborhoods in which they live.”
Community Outreach Dance Program details, including audition dates and locations, will be announced in July 2009. For more information contact April Berry, director of education and outreach, at 704.372.0101 x2767 or aberry@ncdance.org.
North Carolina Dance Theatre Outreach Mission Statement
North Carolina Dance Theatre will create innovative programs, dynamic performances and collaborative partnerships to make dance accessible to all communities.
Women’s Impact Fund
The mission of the Women’s Impact Fund is to maximize women’s leadership in philanthropy by engaging and educating its membership, increasing charitable contributions and strengthening communities through the impact of collective giving. The Women’s Impact Fund funds projects and programs that either address emerging community issues or apply new, creative solutions to critical community needs. High-impact grants, that are a minimum of $40,000 and maximum of $100,000, are awarded to organizations located and providing services in Mecklenburg County.
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Details
North Carolina Dance Theatre has established itself as one of America’s premier dance companies. Led by internationally acclaimed President and Artistic Director Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, NC Dance Theatre is based on strong dancers, high energy and a versatile repertoire that ranges from classical ballet to bold contemporary works. NC Dance Theatre School of Dance parallels the professional company’s tradition of excellence.
North Carolina Dance Theatre is supported, in part, with operating support by the Arts & Science Council. Dance Theatre is also supported by individuals, corporations, and local and national foundations, the North Carolina Arts Council, ArtsTeach, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
To find out more about NC Dance Theatre visit ncdance.org. |
