Centre Dance

It has been a long-standing goal of the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education to educate, inspire, and reach out to youth that may not otherwise be exposed to dance. Through strong partnerships with Parklane Elementary and Southside High School, the Centre for Dance Education was able to do just that by establishing the Centre Dance program. Centre Dance integrates dance classes into the standard academic curriculum, using before, during, and after-school programs. This approach provides an alternative learning environment to encourage students' self-expression and social awareness, while enriching each school day.

Students are able to experience many types of dance, including ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. In conjunction with the Latin American Association, Project South, the University of Georgia, and Planned Parenthood, Southside High School and the Centre Dance program also offer monthly workshops with topics ranging from nutrition to conflict resolution. Teachers of students who participate in the Centre Dance program have noticed positive changes in attendance, behavior, and academic performance, as well as a growth in confidence.

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education and the Centre Dance program were recently awarded Fulton County Schools' Prestigious Partner Award by Parklane Elementary. This award is the highest for partnership given by the school system, and recognizes organizations who have made a unique and lasting impact on the school, are an active part of the school community, and have a deep interest in the success of the school. Centre Dance is in its eleventh year at Parklane Elementary, and in its third year at Southside High School.

For additional information regarding Centre Dance, contact Sharon Story, Dean, at (404) 873-5811 or sstory@atlantaballet.com.

Dance and Cultural Initiative

Atlanta Ballet and the Latin American Association are pleased to announce a partnership which area youth can participate in a fun, constructive, and educational after school alternative. This program, entitled The Dance and Cultural Initiative, is open to all students ages 8 to 21. The Dance and Cultural Initiative is offered year-round at the Latin American Association building located at 2750 Buford Highway. We invite you to participate in this program in which professional dance instructors teach a variety of dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop The goal of the program is to use dance as a means for building confidence and strengthening positive characteristics in young people, including the feeling of belonging at home, in school, and in the community. Studies have shown that, when exposed to the arts and culture, children are far less likely to respond negatively to peer pressure. In addition to learning to think for themselves, children also tend to improve their grades and overall attitude. This program will also provide academic assistance through our tutoring program to all participants.

For additional information regarding Dance and Cultural Initiative or the Latin American Association, contact Carla Cuba, Program Coordinator, at (404) 638-1809 or ccuba@latinamericanassoc.org.