Outreach program for dc youth Ages 6-18
Mission
Ballet Elite is a DC-based performing arts education nonprofit centered on underserved children that transcends barriers in accessing the finest classical ballet training to inspire, enrich, and nurture bodies and minds. We accept students regardless of their ability and help them master self-discipline, confidence, and character, to prepare them to succeed in college, in their communities, and further career.
Ballet Elite Pre-professional Outreach program is much more than just a local dance program. It was born out of a desire to serve the community and bring the world of dance and arts to the children in Washington, DC. regardless of race, color, creed, financial background, or physical location in the city.
At Ballet Elite, the principles of classical ballet and dance build the physical discipline of the body to translate into the muscle memory of the mind. Our students develop both physical and mental grace, persistence, and reap the benefits of hard work and sacrifice. It’s also about being a part of a productive community and supporting youth who aspire to succeed not only through high school, but through college/university and/or as a productive member of society and success in the workforce as well.
Dance Technique
Our Pre-professional Ballet/Dance & Arts outreach program for DC children intentionally accept all children who desire to come as we believe every child who wants to experience classical dance and arts deserves the opportunity regardless of age or natural propensity. What sets us apart from other dance programs in the city is our firm commitment to ensuring that all students experience our full dance curriculum and master it regardless of one’s ability when entering the program. Other known dance programs offer a truncated curriculum to students in underserved areas which hinders access to higher levels of performing arts opportunities. Our program supports any and all children in obtaining the full measure of the art of classical dance regardless of financial status or zip code.
Dance with NSD&A
Ballet Elite serves school age children in the District of Columbia who typically come from underserved neighborhoods around the city. Though we are open to all students, we intentionally seek out and support families who may be experiencing hardship by offering either full or partial scholarships to enroll in NSD&A programs, stipends for transportation, uniforms, costumes, and dance shoes free of charge.
Ballet Elite pre-professional outreach program offers full scholarships to participate in NSD&A Summer Dance Evening classes for progression levels 1 & 2, and Summer Dance Intensive for all other levels of progression. This is pre-professional summer dance training offered to our older students so they may perfect their craft over the summer and not suffer from the “summer slide”. We secure guest choreographers from all over the world including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York and the Philadanco Dance Company in Philadelphia to work with our students on developing the necessary skills for success at the highest levels of dance.
Summer Dane Intensive at work
Community Outreach
Ballet Elite partners with other organization and foundation such as the Angel Tree Foundation, DC public and charter schools located in underserved neighborhoods. Children are invited to come study with the New School of Dance & Arts Ballet Elite programs. We provide them with transportation, healthy snacks, uniforms, dance shoes, and costumes, in addition to moral support for the families, and any other attention they may need.
If your DC based organization, foundation, or school with children 6-18, would like to partner with Ballet Elite, contact us.
Community Engagement
Ballet Elite is rooted in serving the community. We participate in and/or sponsor several events during the course of each calendar year to engage the community, to provide opportunities for our dancers to share their experiences with others, who may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience the fullness of dance.
Many of our children have auditioned and performed at the Kennedy Center over the years.
To request the Ballet Elite, pre-professional dancers to perform at your event
Mentorship Program for Teens
In addition to supporting the mental and physical acquisition of classical dance skills, we also have the opportunity to introduce the concept of mentorship within our student ranks with our Each One Teach One approach.
Teenagers attend the classes of the younger levels to learn how to teach what they know, to demonstrate particular techniques, and to build rapport with the younger dancers by sharing stories. Student teacher assistants earn community service hours and receive a small stipend, while strengthen their dance etiquette, and grow the dance community of Ballet Elite.
Ballet Elite work closely with families and the academic teachers in schools to ensure academic success at every grade level. Families have the opportunity to be with our program from four years old through high school - and during those years, the instructional team recommends school placements, writes recommendations for placement in primary and secondary schools in the District, and provides coaching for student and family interviews for both high school and college/university placements.