NCDT REACH!

NCDT REACH! is North Carolina Dance Theatre’s nationally recognized outreach dance scholarship program for children ages 7 to 10.

The NCDT REACH! program makes quality dance training accessible to minority, male and female students, with evidenced financial need and little if any previous dance experience, who demonstrate a natural talent for movement and the potential to be trained in dance. The program affords children the opportunity to access quality dance training in their neighborhoods, free of charge, promoting self-esteem, discipline, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the arts.

Open auditions are held each year for NCDT REACH! and selection is determined based on three criteria- natural abilities/ the potential to be trained in dance, financial need and family commitment to the program. Students selected for NCDT REACH! attend two classes, once a week for twenty-nine consecutive weeks, at one of four Park and Recreation centers, and all first- year students receive dance attire at no charge to their families. Students and their parents also receive tickets to select NC Dance Theatre’s professional dance performances.

NCDT Reach! was launched in 2009 through a $78,000 grant from the Women’s Impact Fund (WIF). The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department partners with Dance Theatre to promote the program and to provide sites for the classes at the Albemarle Road Recreation Center, Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, Ivory Baker Recreation Center and Naomi Drenan Recreation Center.

In 2011 NCDT REACH! won a program achievement award from the National Association of County Organizations (NACo).

Partners and Sponsors

                        

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.

NCDT REACH! Goals and Objectives

• Increase self-discipline and work ethic
• Provide access to professional dance performances
• Provide audition opportunities
• Enhance socialization and problem solving skills
• Increase classroom attendance
• Engage participants’ families
• Provide class materials (dance shoes, attire) free of charge
• Build appreciation for cultural diversity

NCDT REACH! Teaching Artists
Daielma Santos Decker - Ballet 
Tammy Fox- Jazz
Oneaka Mack- West African             

Videos

More Information
Contact April Berry, director of education and outreach, 704.372.0101x2767.

NCDT REACH! Student Performance

Saturday, May 12, 2012, Time TBA
Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance
701 North Tryon Street

The Charlotte Observer features story on NCDT REACH!>

NCDT REACH! Program Auditions

May 21, 2012 – Ivory Baker Recreation Center

May 22, 2012 – Naomi Drenan Recreation Center

May 23, 2012 – Albemarle Road Recreation Center

May 24, 2012 – Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center

Times TBA

NCDT REACH! FAQS

What determines financial need?

• Those who qualify for the North Carolina Free and Reduced lunch program OR
• Those from low income households

What should children wear to the REACH! dance auditions?

• Comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement, such as shorts, sweat pants, and t-shirts.
• Socks should be worn on feet.
• You do NOT have to wear formal dance wear or shoes.