Summer Outreach/Teen Apprenticeship Dance Program, 2008

July 7 - 18, M-F, 9am - 2pm and

July 21 - August 1, M-F, 8am - 2pm

REACH is for teens 14 – 18 and combines technical training, making dances and performing at day camps and for the public.

The purpose of the program is twofold:

• For teens to learn about the artistry and discipline associated with the dance field while acquiring skills for future employment.
• To provide thousands of urban youth with a quality art experience.

Under the guidance of professional dancers and college interns, sixteen teen-age apprentices create a 45 minute dance performance and go "on tour" to day camps in the Greater Boston area. Students will hone their technical, performance and choreographic skills during the first two weeks; for the next two weeks, the "company" will perform and lead workshops at a dozen Associated Grantmakers’ Summer Fund sites. In addition, there will be master classes, an evening performance for the public, and an informational session on preparing for college admission. Scholarships are available. Admission by audition and recommendation.

Qualifications

The REACH program is for students in grades 9-12 from the metropolitan Boston area by audition. Qualifications will include proficiency in at least one dance style, willingness to learn others and a strong work ethic. Scholarships are based on financial need.

History

REACH is modeled on a program that Dance Collective (DC) sponsored in Boston and Cambridge from 1990 to 2005. DC had extensive experience in arts education. Micki Taylor-Pinney was Dance Collective's Artistic Director, and is the Coordinator of Dance at the University. With REACH under the auspices of the University, we have expanded our services and drawn on the resources of this institution.

Short and Long-term Objectives

The short-term objectives of REACH are to provide a safe and supportive environment to build stronger, creative dancers and choreographers and to enhance essential skills for success, including self-esteem, responsibility and communication skills. The long-term objectives are to help adolescents make wise choices and obtain the necessary skills to ensure themselves a positive future.

Click here for the REACH 2007 Final Report.

Please contact Micki Taylor-Pinney, Coordinator of Dance, for more information: mtaylor-@bu.edu or (617) 353-1597.