Accent on Dance
Pennsylvania Ballet's outreach and education program was formalized in the Fall of 1996 with the dual mission of providing meaningful educational experiences that contribute to the cultural development of Philadelphia-area school children, especially the traditionally under-served, and developing and educating the ballet audience of the future. Through a unique and ever-expanding array of programs and services, Pennsylvania Ballet has introduced the art form to almost 60,000 elementary, middle and high school students during its first seven years of programming. Not satisfied with merely providing exposure to the art form, Pennsylvania Ballet seeks to engage schools and community organizations in long-term relationships that maximize the inherent benefits of arts education through curriculum integration and multi-disciplinary participation. The opportunity for students to experience live, professional ballet performance is a key component of Pennsylvania Ballet's outreach program. Programs and services include:
- Dress Rehearsal Matinees. Elementary, middle, and high school students are invited to attend the full dress rehearsal of each Pennsylvania Ballet production. Participating schools are from city and suburban school districts in Philadelphia, Camden, and the surrounding communities in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Approximately 5,500 attend dress rehearsal performances each year.
- Student Workbooks. All students participating in Accent on Dance programs receive specially-designed, grade-level appropriate workbooks about ballet and the specific production they are scheduled to see. Participating teachers receive teacher's supplements with suggestions to reinforce and expand workbook activities, audiocassettes of the ballet music, and and videos on dancer training. Approximately 12,000 student workbooks are distributed each year.
- Ticket Giveaways. Through special drawings at each dress rehearsal, students from participating schools receive premium seating tickets to an actual performance. Additionally, through the Children's Enchantment Fund, approximately 1200 ticket vouchers are distributed each year through a variety of educational, cultural and social service agencies.
- Studio Tours and School Visits. Guided tours of the Ballet Center are offered to selected Accent on Dance participants. Studio tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the day to day operations of a professional performing arts organization, a presentation by a member of the artistic or administrative staff, a mini class, and an opportunity to observe the Company in rehearsal.
- Pennsylvania Ballet II (see special web site section), an eight member troupe of pre-professional dancers, is available for interactive assembly programs at your school.
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