Education & Outreach

We are dedicated to –

• Building self-esteem, discipline and a drive for excellence among all children and youth, especially those at-risk, through dance training and arts education

• Providing professional performance opportunities for students and performing artists

• Enhancing Hawaii’s rich cultural diversity

It is our hope that, through dance, we will be able to help our children and youth develop critical life skills such as commitment, follow-through, and teamwork.

Next Gen Program

Introduced in 2008, Next Gen is a program for our youth ages 4-12 that focuses on far more than just choreographed dance routines. The program is designed to incorporate all the required elements of dance ... interpersonal relationships, rhythm, movement, dance styles, patterning, technique, composition, structure, history and more. The program has enjoyed great success. We currently serve 80-90 youth, a substantial jump from just 10-15 students at the inception of the program.

HeartBeat Program

Launched in March, 2007, HeartBeat is a special dance program for intellectually challenged individuals. The program pairs a special needs student with a volunteer dancer for one-on-one instructional support. It is a program that has continued to grow since its inception. HeartBeat students love music and dance, but they too work extremely hard to learn choreographed routines. And at the end of each session, program participants take part in our community performances and share what they've learned during instructional sessions.

Performing Arts Conservatory Education (PACE)

Our newest program, PACE is a summer intensive in acting, singing and dance specially designed for individuals interested in a career in professional theatre. Follow this link to learn more about this exciting new program.  

In the Schools

We support school improvement through the creation of partnerships that integrate the arts into the overall educational program of the K-12 schools of this State. As such, we continue to work towards the further development of such programs.

After-school, inter-session, and summer dance programs are designed to provide an outlet for energy and creativity during those times when our children require more structured and challenging activities. 

Currently, we offer an after-school dance program to Junior High and Middle School students in the Windward, Kailua and Kalaheo districts. Please contact us for more information.

 

Did You Know?

Young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week through at least one full year are:

• 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
• 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
• 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
• 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
• 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem