Texas Ballet Theater instills the love of dance and the importance of the
art form in the community through its City Dance program. By
offering ballet training and dance education to elementary and middle school children
in lower socioeconomic and underserved communities in Dallas and Fort Worth
at no cost to students or schools, Texas Ballet Theater is developing future
leaders and supporters who understand and appreciate the art form and the
significant role that cultural arts plays in childhood development and society. The
program is designed to teach and sustain the true art form, and it incorporates
other dance influences as well.
Ballet training and education benefit children in many ways: develop discipline
and coordination, inspire creativity, instill self-confidence, teach French terminology
and basic music skills, promote the importance of stretching and physical activity,
and encourage passion for the arts. Students are instructed in a comfortable,
safe environment and encouraged to express themselves through dance. Many
children find that this training and self expression extends into their work
in the classroom.
In addition to weekly training, students work toward performances at the end
of each semester and are invited to attend Texas Ballet Theater productions at
no cost. Children have the opportunity to learn a discipline that will
benefit them in whatever they attempt or aspire to achieve. City Dance currently
serves more than 250 2nd – 6th grade elementary school students in lower
socioeconomic underserved communities.
Click here to watch a Star-Telegram documentary about the City Dance program.
2007-08 Texas Ballet Theater City Dance Participants:
Bayles Elementary, DISD
Gill Elementary, DISD
Ireland Elementary, DISD
Lanier Elementary, DISD
Long Middle School, DISD
Polk Elementary, DISD
Rosemont Elementary, DISD
Mendoza Elementary, FWISD
Nash Elementary, FWISD
South Hi Mount Elementary, FWISD
2006-07 Texas Ballet Theater City Dance Participants:
Bayles Elementary, DISD
Gill Elementary, DISD
Lanier Elementary, DISD
Long Middle School, DISD
Polk Elementary, DISD
Rosemont Elementary, DISD
Mendoza Elementary, FWISD
Nash Elementary, FWISD
South Hi Mount Elementary, FWISD
de Zavala, Irving ISD
2005-06 Texas Ballet Theater City Dance Participants:
Bayles Elementary, DISD
Mata Elementary, DISD
Polk Elementary, DISD
Rosemont Elementary, DISD
Mendoza Elementary, FWISD
Nash Elementary, FWISD
South Hi Mount Elementary, FWISD