Chance to Dance
Celebrating 29 years of quality dance education for the children of RI.
JUMP FEET FIRST INTO THE ARTS!
What is Chance to Dance?
Chance to Dance is an established arts program that gives Rhode Island children in grades three through six a unique hands-on experience with the arts. From October through May, children participate in weekly dance classes held in their schools during school hours. These classes are taught by specially trained, professional dance teachers and are accompanied by a live musician. The program concludes with a full scale dance performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Why a dance program?
Chance to dance was founded in 1986 on the belief that the arts are an integral part of a child's education and that children should have the opportunity to actively experience the arts. Dance is an excellent medium to provide this opportunity, for the needs of a dance program are minimal: a safe space large enough for dancing, a teacher and a musical accompanist.
What role does the program play in a child's education?
The program has been shown to increase self-esteem and convidence, help develop coordination and motor skills, and create and develop an appreciation for dance, music and other art forms. Teachers and parents praise the program for its ability to raise the confidence and aspirations of young people by helping them learn how to learn and showing them different approaches to learning. What is the final performance like? The final performance takes place at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The show features an average of 850 children dancing to the thrilling rythmic sounds of a live band. Every child participates in at least two dances on the day that their school performs. The final performance is an energy-charged event that neither the children nor their audience of family, friends, and fellow students will soon forget!
What is a Chance to Dance class like?
Classes are conducted by trained professionals in a non-competitive and non-threatening atmosphere that allows children to develop their own unique abilities and talents as they work towards an end of the year production. This final performance features two different educational themes that the children are asked to research. The chilldren work with their dance teacher to translate their findings into movements that are put together to create two unique dances. The children's research and ideas also provide the basis for a script that brings the entire production together.
Who are the Chance to Dance schools?
Through our history we have been hosted by schools in Providence, Barrington, Warwick, Bristol/Warren, East Providence, Pawtucket, West Warwick, Peacedale, Jamestown, and North Kingstown. We are ever ready to increase the areas we serve, adding diversity to our Chance to Dance Family!
Who are the Chance to Dance students?
Children are invited to take part in the program regardless of previous training, innate ability or physical condition. No special clothing or equipment are needed, thereby making the program accessible to all children regardless of their economic situation. While schools must limit the size of the class, a child needs only to demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard in order to hold his or her place in the class.
Who are SLEEQUE FEET?
Super-dedicated children from each class are selected mid-year to become SLEEQUE FEET. The representative group of Chance to Dance students meet for extra classes to learn additional (and more complicated) dances that they perform at the final production and other events around the state to which Chancto to Dance is invited.
Is there a cost for children to participate?
Each school pays a set fee for the selected program. Some schools include Chance to Dance in their school budget, others pay this fee by seeking PTA support and parent contributions or by holding fund raising events.
Who sponsors Chance to Dance?
Chance to Dance is a cooperative effort of Dance Alliance of Rhode Island/Chance to Dance and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, with special support from Providence Performing Arts Center Community Outreach Fund, VSA arts/RI, Rhode Island Associan of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, MetLife, and the participating schools. Chance to Dance seeks financial support from businesses, corporations, foundations, and individual donors.
Who runs the program?
Chance to Dance is run by a dedicated staff of arts educators who also work professionally as dance teachers and musicians. They are assisted throughout the year by an equally dedicated group of teachers, school personnell, and parents who volunteer their time. Each participating school must appoint a Coordinator, who will be present during all classes and serve as a contact and information conductor between Chance to Dance and the School. The Coordinator could be a teacher, school staff person, or a parent volunteer.
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