Raleigh Dance Theatre’s Outreach Programs (Visit calendar for program dates)
Fostering dance awareness is an integral part of Raleigh Dance Theatre’s mission. From its earliest days RDT has brought literature to life through a series of ballets based on fairy tales or Storybooks that began with Peter and the Wolf in 1986. During the 1990’s The Dancing Princess became a favorite holiday tradition. And since 2002, this tradition has continued with our annual Storybook Tales performances, which has featured 16 different ballets based on children’s stories or fairy tales. In addition to professional quality performances at prices almost any family can afford, RDT offers children the opportunity to experience dance who may not otherwise be exposed to this inspiring art form. Each year, RDT reaches approximately 1500 children by offering:
Leaping Readers outreach programs are presented in libraries and at school assemblies. Children actively participate as they learn simple dance steps and watch as a story is brought to life through dancers performing the roles of their favorite characters to music from the ballets.
* Includes free interactive demonstrations at public libraries and local bookstores.
* Assemblies at public and private schools in and around the Triangle.
The George W. Newton School Performance Initiative was established in 2015, fulfilling a long term goal to spread the excitement and benefits of dance education. This free performance provides children, who may not otherwise have the opportunity, exposure to the magic of a live, in-theater performance. A resource guide and interactive Leaping Readers assembly are offered to all schools in the program. We are very proud to have served over 5000 students from Triangle elementary schools and look forward to seeing many more.
The GWN School Performance Initiative is the gift that keeps on giving! Our school so appreciates the opportunity to see professional, polished and powerful ballet. The sets and costumes are magical and the quality of dance is amazing. The school assembly offers students a chance to meet and connect with the dancers and see the “magic” up close. The resource guide offers the chance to prepare for the performance through lesson plans and activities. This is the way to develop future dance lovers and performers.
~~ Lisa Ferrando, Exploris Elementary School
Girl Scout North Carolina Coastal Pines outreach provides opportunities for Girl Scouts to learn about dance through two very special badge workshops.
* Dance around the World where Girl Scouts learn about the history, culture and dance styles from three different countries and discover that anyone, anywhere can dance.
* Make Every Dance Step Count where Girl Scouts learn about the history and basics of ballet, how a dancer trains, and how a choreographer’s idea develops into the final stage production. Girl Scouts also learn a folk dance from another country.
* Opportunities to attend special performances through its partnership with Girl Scouts-North Carolina Coastal Pines.
Raleigh Dance Theatre takes pride in offering children of the Triangle an affordable way to experience dance, as we continue to fulfill our mission of fostering a love of dance in the young and old.
