Raleigh Dance Theatre’s
Outreach Programs
Overview:
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. Leaping Readers offers free interactive demonstrations at public libraries and local bookstores as well as 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.
Click Here for further information about the Free School Performance and Assemblies for Elementary School Students!
Girl Scout North Carolina Coastal Pines
outreach provides opportunities for Girl Scouts to learn about dance through the Make Every Dance Step Count workshop. 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 receive group rates to our productions.
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.