Dancewave

Dancewave provides access to supportive and empowering dance experiences that center social, emotional and cognitive growth through movement. Developing programs to meet community needs, we use dance as a vehicle for transformation, expression, active citizenship and self reflection. Dancewave fosters a culture where dance is celebrated as a healing and inclusive art form.Some notable celebrations from the past year are as follows:In addition to our Race + Dance curriculum, we have adapted our Youth Leadership and Movement that Matters curriculum to be offered through our community programs as 8 week residencies. These programs focus on holding space for youth to dialog, connect and support each other as they learn about social justice, community organizing, advocacy, self-identity, and making meaning through movement.We offer a Dancewave Company Community workshop where dancers work closely to develop their own choreographic process, and hone skills related to collaboration, self expression, and socially engaged dance making.We have prioritized flexible and tuition free access for youth classes + Dancewaves Company Program. Thanks to the generous support of our community, we are able to ensure that students will not be denied access to quality dance experiences due to financial barriers throughout 2022-2023.We have developed customizable Arts Educator Trainings to support those outside of Dancewave in strengthening a commitment to inclusivity, anti-racism, cultural-sensitivity, accessibility, wellness, and developmentally appropriate practices. While continuing to host our yearly Arts Educator Training, this year focused on creating access in the classroom, trauma-informed teaching and restorative practices.A new partnership has enhanced our Class Share Program, greatly benefiting and supporting local Teaching Artists. Through this partnership with The Movement, Dancewave is able to provide access to studio space, compensation through The Movement and promotional support for artists looking to share their craft with others through classes or workshops. Through this program we provided over 200 hours of affordable adult classes to our community in FY22. We have successfully pivoted our annual Dancewave Through College & Beyond college preparedness event to a virtual experience, reaching over 300 high school students and families! Providing a virtual experience has expanded our ability to provide access to resources that help prepare students for the college dance experience. Discovering the success of this virtual experience will greatly impact the planning for all future DTCB events.