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little kidsAbout RDT’s Arts-In-Education Programs

 As a form of communication shared by cultures across the ages and globe, dance remains a powerful medium to illuminate mutual and singular histories, aspirations, and experiences, and to explore the world around us. RDT’s nationally recognized and lauded AIE programs offers students and teachers across Utah much more than exercise or entertainment. RDT’s education programs increase critical thinking and nonverbal reasoning skills, develop the ability to communicate as part of a group, encourage groups to work collaboratively, improve individual kinesthetic and spatial learning, as well as intra- and interpersonal knowledge of self and others. 

Repertory Dance Theatre’s celebrated state-wide Arts-In-Education (AIE) programs are built upon a multi-component approach to dance education, offering a hybrid model that includes in-person events and digital/online programs which each school can tailor to its needs.

Our Arts-in-Education programs for schools include: 

  • Creative Movement Classes (grades K-6): RDT is available to teach creative movement classes during the school day. All classes are designed for one classroom at a time. The creative movement explorations are designed to help students build strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and awareness while developing an understanding of the elements of dance—Body, Energy, Space and Time (BEST). Movement classes provide alternative ways to learn and achieve basic educational objectives while allowing all participants the freedom to explore their own physical and creative potential in a noncompetitive environment. Classes promote Life-long learning skills and help students discover ways to solve problems through teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration.

  • Master Classes (grades 7-12) RDT is available to teach master classes during the school day to middle, jr high and high school students. Classes offered include modern technique, contemporary technique, improvisation, composition, repertory, classical jazz, hip hop and more. 


Group dance

  • Choreography (grades 7-12): RDT is available to choreograph for middle, jr high and high school students. RDT Dancers are skilled choreographers who work creatively with the students to develop unique choreography and expand the performance skills of the students. 

  • Professional Learning Workshop (1-2hrs): In-Service workshops (1-2 hours in length) offer elementary teachers a better understanding of the Core Dance Standards, build confidence levels and help to acquire new skills to be successful in teaching the Dance Core in the classroom. Passport to Dance History Summer Workshop: A three day in-depth workshop for secondary dance educators held each June, focused on Dance History.

  • In-School Assembly (50 mins for entire school): A narrated performance by RDT’s professional dancers that focuses on the elements of dance (BEST), the choreographic process, and the art of improvisation. The demonstration gives the audience insight into how to watch, appreciate and even create dances. See the video below for more information.

 

  • Free Student Matinee Performances at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center: Curated student matinees combine performances with engaging narratives to introduce students to the art form of modern dance. RDT performances feature professional dancers performing works created by national and internationally renowned choreographers in a professional setting. 

If you would like to find out more about our School Programs, please contact us.

 

 

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What People are Saying

This activity was valuable because it helped students make connections between dance, rhythm, healthy lifestyles, and expression. The students were impressed by the talent of the dancers and it was motivating to them.
Opportunities for art and expression are so limited at school but so essential and valuable for all students, especially those who struggle to learn through traditional methods. My Kindergarteners have been dancing since you left!
This was so engaging. I looked around the auditorium and every student was watching. Not one person was talking or distracted
This activity is valuable to teachers and students because it gives them a creative outlet. We need movement in the classroom to engage, energize and deepen student learning.
I got great ideas on how to incorporate movement into math and science lessons.
I loved how you made movement and exercise relatable to the students. The dancers were full of energy and there was very little down time so students stayed engaged.
Our children were captivated by the performance. They listened to you and they were learning without knowing. They usually giggle when bodies are shown and talked about. But the way you presented it was so tastefully done, they now do poses and movement around the room and outside. You brokesome barriers and they took that permission and literally ran with it!
This activity got the students up and moving. It made them believe in their abilities to use their bodies to express themselves.