Arts and Entertainment

COURTESY KATY RUST

Dance participants of the North Carolina Dance Theatre’s Reach program. Auditions will be held for the next school year May 17-20. The program is free to those accepted and is open to children ages 7-10.

Rina Fitzgerald’s nine year-old daughter Austin has been dancing since she was 3 years old.

But when the economy took a slump, she was no longer able to pay for the extracurricular activity.

“I just couldn’t afford it anymore,” Fitzgerald said. “That’s when the (North Carolina Dance Theatre) suggested that Austin audition for the Reach program.”

The NCDT Reach program provides free, accessible dance instruction and performance opportunities to children ages 7-10.

About 70 students participated this year, as it was the inaugural year of the program, which is funded through a three-year grant from the Women’s Impact Fund.

The two-hour classes are offered weekly at four locations: Albemarle Road Recreation Center, Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center; Greenville Recreation Center and at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center.

“We teach one hour of ballet and another hour of world dance,” says April Berry, NCDT’s director of education and outreach. “The world dance could be African, Caribbean or Latin. It changes from one form to another based on whatever form we want them to learn, but the ballet remains constant.”
Since enrolling in the program, Fitzgerald says she has seen a significant change in Austin.

“She was really shy and introverted before, but I think her confidence level has improved,” Fitzgerald said. “She’s also become a role model and I think that is neat.”

Austin said she’s learned about the history of ballet, how to have correct posture, and about different dances.

“I like performing,” Austin said. “I really liked the Latin dance.”

Additionally, Berry says participants learn about dance etiquette, teamwork, confidence, self-discipline, dance concepts and skills from beginning ballet to other forms.

“It’s exposure and education for both the children and the parents as far as cultural arts in the city as it relates to dance,” Berry said. “They’ve also gotten a chance to see professional dancers. They each got to see ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Cinderella’ this season. Some of them have never been down to the Blumenthal or Knight Theater. They were in awe of it all.”

Transportation is provided, depending on the schools. The program is open to girls and boys and is based on family commitment, financial need and natural abilities.

Denise Sutton’s son Jared, was one of seven boys in the program this year. Once a dancer herself, she wanted Jared exposed to the arts.
“I think it’s an excellent program, especially now because of the economic times since schools are having to cut back,” Sutton said. “It’s nice to know there’s still a program investing in the fine arts of children.”

Auditions for the 2010-11 school year will be held May 17-20. They are free.

Students can wear workout gear and no prior dance experience is necessary. Students should arrive 45 minutes early to register.

Audition schedule:

• 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 17 at Greenville Recreation Center.
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 18 at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center.
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 19 at Albemarle Road Recreation Center.
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 20 at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center.

For more information, call (704) 372-0101 extension 109.

On the Net:
www.ncdance.org

Comments