Our Outreach Initiatives

Participation in the arts offers students significant academic and social benefits, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Research demonstrates:

Academic Achievement:

• • Low-income students who are highly engaged in the arts are more than 2X as likely to graduate college as their peers with no art education.*

  • Students regularly participating in the arts are 4X more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.*

  • These students are also 4X more likely to participate in a math or science fair.*

  • Regular arts participants are 3X more likely to win an award for school attendance.*

Social and Leadership Skills:

• • Students regularly participating in the arts are 3X more likely to be elected to class office.*

Despite these benefits, arts education in public schools has been declining:

• • 30% of public elementary schools have no visual arts classes.+

  • 50% of the poorest public elementary schools don't have an art room.+

  • 90% of public elementary schools don't have a dance or drama teacher.+

  During the 1999-2000 school year, 20 percent of schools offered dance and theatre classes, but in the 2009-10 school year, only 3 percent of schools allocated funds for dance classes, and only 4 percent taught theatre.+

  This data underscores the importance of arts education and highlights the growing disparity in access to these programs, particularly in low-income areas. The decline in arts education limits students' potential for academic and social growth.
  
  * Americans for the Arts
  +National Center For Education Statistics 

Something I learned during the time with MorDance was how to not be afraid of doing things in front of people. The dancers taught me to have self confidence. -Seventh Grader, Evelyn A.

I think dance and other art forms are important because they represent culture and personality. Also many people like to show their feelings through art and that’s important. -Seventh Grader, Daniela T.

Dance offers us a form of expression and expressing ourselves is really important.  MorDance helped me express myself. -Seventh Grader, Daniel S.

My favorite part of being with MorDance was learning all the ballet steps and all the positive feelings I felt while dancing from the dancers. -Sixth Grader, Anahla V.

I think dance and the arts are important because they allow people to expand their horizons beyond just academics or their regular lifestyle.  Many forms of dance or the arts are very expressive and give us a way to tell stories or express feelings beyond words.  Most art forms help us to strengthen our minds and bodies in very creative ways too. -Seventh Grader, Pricilla T.

MorDance taught me that dance is pretty cool.  I think dance and art is important because it encourages creativity and individuality. -Seventh Grader, Avon T.

What I liked about MorDance was that they were honest about things they fear. Also, they are very smooth when they dance because they work together as a team. -Tenth Grader, Xiomy B.

My favorite part of the experience with MorDance was when we separated into groups and danced across the stage. -Seventh Grader, Amanda B. 

I think dance is important because it lets you express yourself through your body and through your facial expressions, and we get to express ourselves without words. -Seventh Grader, Nefertiti J.

I liked how the professional dancers performed nicely with a smile and how they had patience teaching us moves. -Ninth Grader, Katherine M.

I liked the professionals appearance here at the school because their performance was inspiring. -Ninth Grader, Samya M.

If you know a student who is passionate about dance but faces financial barriers, MorDance is here to help. We are committed to making dance accessible to everyone and offer scholarships and financial aid options to those in need. Please reach out to us directly to discuss the available opportunities and how we can support the student’s journey in dance. We believe everyone deserves the chance to express themselves through the art of dance, and we are dedicated to making that a reality.

That's wonderful to hear! MorDance is always eager to collaborate with community organizations and schools to expand the reach and impact of dance. We offer a variety of partnership opportunities, including educational programs, workshops, and performances that can be tailored to meet the needs of your organization or school. Please contact us to discuss how we can work together to bring dance into your community and create enriching experiences for your members or students. We look forward to collaborating and building a meaningful partnership!