It was our first field trip, and we were
going to the spectacular Bass Performing Arts Center to see Alvin
Ailey.
This is a theater I visit regularly, but for our high school students,
this was their first time in any theater, their first time to encounter
flashing lights in a lobby (what’s happening?), and, of course,
their first time to see modern dance. However, by the end of the
semester, this group of neophytes had watched modern dance in almost
every theater in town. And just before winter break, I sat back
and watched and listened as they confidently, and skillfully, queried
choreographers and dancers in a post-performance discussion.
As important as it is for us to grow as a company,
it’s equally
important for us to reach out to young people who haven’t
had the opportunity to experience performing arts. “To The
Dance” provides mentorship for at-risk high school students
as well as tickets and transportation to dance performances in
Austin. Accompanied by a group of adult volunteers, students attend
concerts in various venues, interview choreographers, dancers and
musicians, and fill their portfolios with research, reviews, programs,
drawings, notes and poetry. “To The Dance” helps these
students take a break from the world they know and connect with
a world of possibilities.
To join or refer a student to this program, please contact our
Managing Director.
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