The danceAZ school residency is an after-school (or during school) arts program designed to supplement students’ social/emotional learning and application of 21st Century skills. Over the course of 6 weeks, 12 one hour classes in total, students receive basic ballet instruction and learn choreographed movement that culminates in a performance to showcase what they have accomplished. Participating students will learn by active participation, self-discovery, and reflection, which will help them develop new skills, attitudes, and ideas to carry them forward in life.

danceAZ was born out of the pressing need for more youth arts engagement opportunities in schools.  According to a report from the Arizona Arts Education Census Project, in 2010, only 9% of Arizona elementary schools offered dance education to their students.  Of the 263 elementary schools surveyed, that’s only 23 schools!  Our children stand to gain so much from participation in dance activities; Countless studies have linked participation in dance and arts engagement to many beneficial outcomes including increased physical ability, coordination, collaborative skills, creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and much more.  These skills not only translate to academic success but also continue to serve people throughout their careers and personal lives and that’s why we believe this program is so important.

Additionally, our residency program was designed to help teachers and schools improve their school culture and increase opportunities for parent involvement and community engagement.  In Arizona, many schools struggle to meet the requirements of their Comprehensive Needs Assessment and we sought to create a program that could not only directly benefit students but also directly benefit teachers and schools.

Both in-school and after-school formats are available!

• Fall Session (September-November)
• Spring Session (January-March)

We are open to discussing scheduling options beyond what is listed above, though modifications to the overall program might be necessary to accommodate alternative schedules.

Alexandra Papazian – Education & Community Engagement Manager
“This was my first experience with danceAZ since I joined Ballet Arizona as an Education and Community Outreach Manager and it was eye-opening to see just how important this program is for Arizona’s children.  The students that participated came from three different grade levels and from different friend groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds; it was truly amazing to witness the power dance has to create community among seemingly unconnected individuals.  They all came together out of a desire to dance, learned to collaborate, think critically, and work together, and created something that reflected and celebrated their individuality.  When we talk about dance and how to measure its value, it’s very hard to quantify with numbers.  For me, the value of dance was made clear in watching this group of students rise to the program’s challenges and flourish together in spite of the differences that can threaten to divide us.”

Teacher, School Partner

“I saw many students who started the program with little confidence and experience with dancing or performing.  Throughout the program, many students gained confidence in their abilities and recognized strengths they didn’t realize they had.”

Teacher, School Partner

“I did see students working together and grow in their ability to work as a team and build relationships with one another.”

Principal, School Partner

“This program has also had a positive result in improving attendance.  The team of students wanted to make sure they remained eligible for participation so they met the school day expectations.”

Teacher, School Partner

“I believe this program can be an important tool in preparing our students to be successful academically, socially, and professionally because of the discipline of ballet.”

Teacher, School Partner

“This program [absolutely] contributes to our goal of educating the whole child.”

Teacher, School Partner

“[Our partnership with Ballet Arizona] has been a positive relationship and is appreciated by our school community.”

Teacher, School Partner

“The amount of time, effort, and tender loving care that this program provided the students was above and beyond our expectations.”

Please contact Alexandra Papazian, our Education & Community Engagement Manager, for more information or to discuss potential partnerships.

apapazian@balletaz.org