Young Dance

Since 1998, Young Dance has offered a place for youth in our community to build body and spirit through the creative expression of dance. The mission of Young Dance is to transform lives through movement. In our teaching of modern dance, our students learn how to take part in an ensemble, take risks, partner, lead and listen. They explore what it means to be an artist in a community. They discover the value of their own creative voices. We engage youth in life long learning. The Young Dance company and school collaborates with professional artists, forges meaningful community partnerships and pushes the boundaries of the art and practice of dance.
Young Dance does this through two programs.

Community Dance Classes: Our dance classes are open to anyone. Students from the community and members of the Young Dance performing company attend weekly classes that develop specific technical and choreographic skills at an age-appropriate level. During the school year we teach creative movement for the youngest dancers, (ages 3-7) and modern dance beginning at age 7. We offer three levels of Boys Get Movin’, a dance class designed for boys and taught by a male instructor for boys, ages 5-12. In the fall, 2009, 60 community students are enrolled in our classes. In January 2010, we will introduce Adaptive Creative Dance for youth living with mobility impairments. Professional educators and dance artists have volunteered to assist these classes. During the summer we run a three-week program, which includes modern and various cultural forms of dance (Bharathatyam, Aztec, hip-hop) to further explore creative expression in dance.

Young Dance Company: The Young Dance Company is open by audition to individuals ages 7-18. Twice a year, we hold auditions to find youth who are excited about moving and have an interest in choreography. Interested dancers are not required to have previous dance experience to join. Company members attend their age and level-specific dance classes during the week and meet together on Saturdays to rehearse. Many layers of mentoring take place as the dancers learn to appreciate the qualities of expression in those younger and older than themselves. This year we have 33 boys and girls of diverse backgrounds from throughout the Twin Cities. The Young Dance Company presents its work in venues throughout the year, at parks, theaters and festivals, with a season finale concert in May.