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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Ballet Quad Cities uses four programs to reach 1st through 6th graders in six school districts in Iowa and Illinois. Each program targets a specific academic discipline, and all support social-emotional learning. Programs are developed in close collaboration with school personnel and presented by the staff and dancers of Ballet Quad Cities. All programs are interactive and multidisciplinary, combining movement, music, visuals, and critical thinking skills. In addition to classrooms, BQC presents many of these programs–at no cost to participants–in area libraries, community centers, senior centers, and organizations serving individuals with disabilities. No other arts organization offers such an intentionally designed, comprehensive suite of programs for youth and adults. Our educational outreach programs bring the magic of professional ballet to every Quad Citizen who wishes to experience it, regardless of age, ability, or income!
We bring the joy of dance to children and adults throughout our region with the following programs:
Dance Me a Story: Exploring Literature through Ballet -all ages
Dance Me a Story uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic instruction to enhance reading comprehension. After hearing a story read aloud, students are guided by BQC’s professional dancers in identifying characters, plot points, and themes in the narrative. Together, students and professionals use choreography, music, and costumes to create a danced version of the story. Since its inception in 2014, Dance Me a Story has reached over 25,000 participants!
Bullying prevention (live performance and classroom visit) - Grades 1-6
Grades 1-6: Bullying prevention (live performance and classroom visit)
Each year, Ballet Quad Cities presents an original 30-minute ballet focused on an aspect of bullying prevention. These have included The Ugly Duckling: A Message of Acceptance told through Dance, Dorothy Goes to Oz: A Story of Friendship and Teamwork, Giraffes Can’t Dance: A Story of Encouragement and Tolerance, and The Green Eyed-Monster: A Story of Feelings and Inclusion. Educators across the region praise BQC’s bullying prevention programming for its engaging and important message.
Live Performance Experience: The Nutcracker—3rd Grade
(live performance, educator guide, and pre-performance classroom visit)
BQC professional dancers visit over 25 area schools to introduce students to The Nutcracker ballet. During the classroom visit, students dance to music from each scene in the ballet and explore how music, costumes, and props are used as storytelling elements. Students then attend a designated matinee performance of The Nutcracker at the Adler Theatre. Few audiences are as enthusiastic as the 2,5000 students who attend The Nutcracker student matinee each year!
LEAP! Dance as Conversation—4-6 Grade Series
LEAP! (Leadership, Expression, Action, Participation) was developed over four years in close collaboration with educators to build on 1st-3rd grade programs with a more immersive approach. In each workshop, students learn basic dance skills and use choreographic tools to create and problem-solve together. Throughout the process, they are coached in effective interpersonal communication, divergent thinking, growth mindset, and emotional self-regulation.
For more information about our educational outreach programs please contact us at 309-786-3779 or [email protected]