The NJDTE Outreach program is focused on offering arts education to the community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Nancy Turano and Dr. Harlene Goldschmidt, our program includes master dance classes for grades K-12, in-school residency workshops, professional development workshops, lecture demonstrations, and family programs developed especially for young audiences. As an educational tool, dance engages the whole student (body, mind, heart, and spirit). Workshop classes and programming prepare young people to discover their talents as well as offering them a way to creatively express their feelings and ideas. Whether through viewing, participation, or discussion with dance artists, dance invigorates the senses and encourages students to explore ways to reach beyond physical limitations. Ms.Turano has over twenty years of experience creating and directing programs for the Ensemble and such prestigious institutions such as the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center and Ballet Hispanico of New York. Turano was also honored with the NJSCA “Distinguished Teaching Artist” Award in 2011 and the Governor’s Award for Dance Education in 2012, recognizing her leadership in developing outstanding dance education programs. Most recently, Ms. Turano was selected to serve as an adjudicator on the panel for YoungArts Miami in search of U.S. Presidential Scholars for the Arts. Additionally, the Ensemble has developed a ten-year ongoing relationship with the East Brunswick Education Foundation as well as residencies in Newark, Hoboken, Maplewood, and Atlantic City. The Ensemble has been presented at venues such as NJPAC’s “Dance Jam” for young audiences — a five-day Arts-in-Education program for NJ school children and has the honor of being included on NJSCA’s teaching roster for Dance Education and Outreach.

PROGRAMMING

DANCE RESIDENCIES

(K-12, 10 sessions, 40 minutes in length, maximum 35 students) In ten 40-minute weekly sessions with an NJDTE teaching artist, students have the opportunity to focus on creative movement, visualization, choreography, and specific styles of dance. Students learn to use their bodies as a form of expression and communication through movement, rhythm, time, and space. Through discipline and concentration, students find creative ways to problem solve, increase physical skills, learn self-esteem, find their own voice, and work toward a common goal with others. This residency prepares students for viewing a Dance Performance.

DANCE PERFORMANCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

(Full concert performance by NJDTE, 60 minutes in length) This full concert production gives children of all ages the thrilling experience of a live theatre performance. This production for the entire family delights all with colorful costumes, percussive music, and acclaimed repertory work specifically chosen for young audiences. The performance ends with a question and answer session giving the audience the opportunity to interact with the dancers.

MASTER DANCE WORKSHOP

(Intermediate and advanced level dancers, 90 minutes in length, maximum 35 students) In close proximity to New York City, NJDTE has a faculty of highly revered master teachers that offer a wealth of experience and knowledge. This master class provides students with the unique opportunity to learn a specific dance technique, style, or repertory work by a renowned choreographer.

IN-SCHOOL LECTURE DEMONSTRATION

(Educational performance with 6-9 NJDTE Dancers, 45 minutes in length) This in-school performance for students is an exciting combination of narration, performance, and audience participation. This program, created especially for younger audiences, focuses on engaging students through an interactive introduction to dance as an art form. Students develop the tools to understand a dance performance and are able to relate its meaning to their own experiences. Whether through viewing, participation, or discussion with dance artists, students gain more insight into themselves and the creative process. The performance ends with a question and answer session giving students the opportunity to interact with the dancers.

CREATING A DANCE PRODUCTION

(K-12, 10 sessions, 40 minutes in length, maximum 35 students) This integrative educational experience enables students to develop their hidden talents. In collaboration with an NJDTE teaching artist, students are encouraged to actively be a part of staging a production. Students learn about aspects of creating dance by choreographing movement, organizing rhythmic patterns in space, and developing creative ideas, themes, and concepts. Staging a dance also involves choosing music, costumes, and props. Students are encouraged to use multiple sources of inspiration including literature, current and cultural events, including their own history. This residency culminates with an in-school performance created by students and arranged by teaching artists.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

(Teachers K-12, 90 minutes in length, maximum 20 persons) This required on-site workshop provides in-depth discussion with school personnel, faculty, administrators, and NJDTE Directors. This meeting and planning session provides valuable resources and enables faculty and staff to learn more about dance as a teaching tool and provides insight on how to prepare the students for the performance they will see. Through these workshops, teaching materials and performances are customized to specific interests and goals for students and schools.
For more information on how we can serve your school or community contact us at info@njdte.org.