SARATOGA SPRINGS – As part of its deepening commitment to youth arts education, Saratoga Performing Arts Center has once again brought its public school dance residency to the Ballston Spa Central School District. Since September 25, 4th grade students at the Charlton Heights Elementary School – 100 students – have been participating in weekly lessons led by highly-trained SPAC artists.
The program, focused on the music of Motown, culminated on Tuesday, December 4 with the children performing in two recitals. Instructing the students was Dennis Moench, Senior Director of Education at SPAC and former Broadway performer, alongside music teachers at the school.
In addition to the dance residency, SPAC also contributes to youth arts education through the following programs:
* Classical Kids: An in-school program designed to provide elementary and middle school students with an engaging introduction to classical music and dance. When students complete the program, they are provided with a free lawn pass entitling them to attend classical performances until they graduate from high school.
* The Performance Project: Youth in Motion is a two-week summer dance intensive for children 9-12, presented in partnership with the Capital District YMCA, the Saratoga Regional YMCA and the award-winning, NYC-based National Dance Institute. The program culminates with the children performing a high-level, professionally choreographed dance production on SPAC’s stage.
For more information, visit spac.org
