Education & Outreach

  
Young Audience Programs | School Residencies| Outreach

River North Chicago Dance Company’s Community Education and Outreach Programs

River North Chicago Dance Company has a strong commitment to providing community dance education programs and performances in Chicago and beyond.

Whether it is an 8 week dance residency in a low income school, or complimentary tickets provided to a group of single mothers attending a dance performance for the first time, River North Chicago Dance Company’s community involvement is a powerful part of our mission as a dance company.

Street Beat- Dance Through the Decades

River North Chicago Dance Company’s acclaimed young audience program is available for performance in theaters, schools, and community centers.  Street Beat is an educational performance that is accompanied by grade-appropriate classroom materials.

River North Chicago Dance Company hand jives and hustles through history in Street Beat- Dance Through the Decades, the most exciting way for students to learn about jazz dance and the 20th century!

  • Featuring full costumed performances showcasing dance from the Roaring 20’s through the Hip Hoppin’ 90’s.
  • Includes educational narratives on the historical and social conditions of each decade and their impact on the evolution of jazz dance.

"I loved Street Beat.  It was great, exciting and cool but still educational." – Kim, student, Gentry, AR 

The Beat Goes On

A dynamic and powerful dance residency benefiting low-income and underserved students throughout Chicago and beyond

Highlights of The Beat Goes On

  • An 8-12 week intensive dance experience integrated with classroom curriculum
  • 2 incredible field trips including:
    • A company performance at the Harris Theater for Music & Dance in Millennium Park

AND

    • A visit to River North Chicago Dance Company’s home studios inside the historical Ruth Page Center for Dance.  Students will observe a company rehearsal, meet the artistic director and company members, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the professional dance world.
  • A school assembly performance of Street Beat- Dance through the Decades
  • The opportunity for students to showcase their skills in a final school performance for friends and family

"The students' academic discipline and organizational skills have been enhanced. Math skills/counting beats/steps and memory of choreography have also been enhanced. The students seem more self confident and willing to try new, creative choreography introduced to them."

- Bethany Coburn, After School Program Coordinator of Albany Park Multicultural Academy

"The Carole Robertson Center for Learning aims to expose children to as many new things as possible, broadening their possibilities and fostering their development of new skills and talents.  Our partnership with River North Chicago Dance Company enables school age children to develop positive self images, develop focus and commitment, and form a love for fine arts that they can take with them throughout their lives."

- Gail Nelson, Executive Director of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning

 

Uplifting the Human Spirit

River North Chicago Dance Company’s Community Outreach Program

  • In an effort to reach special audiences, neighborhoods, and communities that are under-served by performing arts organizations, RNCDC distributes complimentary Harris Theater tickets to social service agencies, public school students, and other community organizations. RNCDC welcomes these guests; many who may be attending a concert dance performance for the first time, to what will surely be a memorable occasion.

"Your gift of a world class dance performance for our kids does provide an opportunity they would not otherwise have; but moreover, opens young eyes to a world of possibility.  Inspiration, motivation and aspiration are some of the intangibles you are ultimately giving to these very special kids"

-Thomas Finnegan, Executive Director, Kaleidoscope 4 Kids

For more information regarding our
Community Dance Education and Outreach Programs please contact:
Libby Green
Community Dance Education and Outreach Manager
312-944-2888
lgreen@rivernorthchicago.com