Community Engagement
A Chance to Dance
NPB’s A Chance to Dance Program (ACTD) provides ballet performance experiences for diversabled dancers ages 7 to 18 with mild to moderate needs. ACTD allows participants to work alongside dancers in the professional company as well as their typical peers. Dancers who are a part of the A Chance to Dance Program
- are cast in specific roles important to the story of the ballet
- attend rehearsals in the studio as well as in the theater (to perform in the sensory-friendly performance)
- wear professional costumes
- receive the necessary accommodations to support their needs in a safe and welcoming environment
This program is offered to 10 students with each full-length production at no cost. Email elizabeth@northpointeballet.org with questions.
Community Workshop Performances
Each community workshop performance includes opportunities for audience participation and features excerpts of full-length ballets performed by fully-costumed professional dancers. Workshop performances engage audiences in live dance differently than a traditional theater experience and offer audience members a chance to experience ballet up-close and learn what it means to be a professional dancer. NPB has brought its workshop performances to
- Senior residential, hospice, or other treatment facilities
- Libraries
- Children’s museums
- Cultural centers
This program is offered in conjunction with each full-length production. Each program is 45-55 minutes in length and can be customized to accommodate schedule and audience needs. Compensation is requested but not required. Email leanna@northpointeballet.org to schedule a workshop performance.
Inclusive Dance Camps
Called “Sugar Plum Fairy Camps,” dancers of all abilities are welcome at these inclusive, one-hour dance opportunities during which they will participate in a dance warm up, learn choreography, meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, and give a short performance of The Nutcracker at the end! Caregivers should stay for any diversabled dancers requiring assistance to participate. NPB offers this program primarily at libraries and other community sites each summer.
Interested in hosting a Sugar Plum Fairy Camp? Email leanna@northpointeballet.org.
K-5 Workshop Performances
NPB’s K-5 assemblies consist of excerpts of full-length ballets performed by professional dancers, as well as movement activities to engage students in active learning led by NPB dancers and directors, brought directly to schools.
NPB’s K-5 workshop performances engage students in a theatrical production differently than a traditional theater experience and offer them a chance to experience ballet up-close and learn what it means to be a professional dancer.
This program is offered in conjunction with each full-length production. Each program is 45-55 minutes in length and can be customized to accommodate schedule and audience needs. Compensation is requested but not required. Email leanna@northpointeballet.org to schedule a K-5 assembly or for information about a virtual ballet experience.
On-Site Dance Education
NPB’s On-Site Ballet Lessons allow students in under-resourced communities to experience the joy and artistry of classical ballet. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of ballet technique, weekly classes also aim to promote confidence, encourage respectful behavior, and spark creativity. Sessions conclude with a showcase to demonstrate skills students have learned. In some instances, this showcase may be performed alongside professional dancers in an NPB company workshop performance.
Taught by NPB artist or staff, goals for ballet lessons include:
- Increase confidence in performance
- Understand the values of working hard, never giving up, and doing your best
- Learn what it means to do all things with excellence
- Discover the influence of different cultures on ballet
- Learn ballet terminology and history
- Improve skills in endurance, core strength, flexibility, and balance
Interested in bringing on-site ballet lessons to your school, community center, or cultural center? Email laura@northpointeballet.org with questions.
Community Appearances
NPB expands dance accessibility through partnerships with local organizations and events that bring free, live ballet directly into the communities it serves. These performances introduce audiences to dance in familiar, accessible settings while removing financial and logistical barriers to participation. NPB has performed at Arts festivals, Community events, Libraries, and Local parades. These opportunities can also include meet and greets/photo opps with the professional dancers.
Interested in bringing NPB to your event? Appearances can be customized to accommodate schedule and audience needs. Compensation is requested but not required. Email leanna@northpointeballet.org to schedule a community performance.
Join the Sensory-Friendly Mailing List
Join our mailing list and select the “Sensory-Friendly” interest when signing up to stay updated on A Chance to Dance registration & Inclusive Dance Camp date announcements.