Community programs
Connecticut Ballet has a long, robust history of community outreach and engagement through its Center for Dance Education, which encompasses school and community programs alike. With a dual mission to expose youth to excellence in dance performance and to provide opportunities to develop student talent through accelerated training, Connecticut Ballet's Center for Dance Education has touched 300,000+ children throughout the state since 1991.
Our programs
Health & Wellness Initiative
Dance as a catalyst for fitness and healthy lifestyles, for schools, community groups and residential treatment facilities serving youth ages 8 to 18. In the 50-minute “Let’s Get Fit!” assembly, our dancers perform and then talk about how they keep their bodies fueled and strong, often followed by a workshop for students and staff. Special thanks to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for initial leadership funding.
Juvenile Justice Outreach
Since 2001, our teaching artists have brought dance and other art forms to incarcerated youth and youth in residential treatment, in disciplines from hip hop and African dance to capoeira, spoken word and visual art. The program was jump-started by The Tow Foundation and later ran year-round classes in detention centers across the state under contract with the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch. We continue to work with residential treatment facilities around Connecticut.
Danbury Dance Initiative
Educators, social service agencies, funders and dance professionals working together to bring dance to Danbury, with support from the Savings Bank of Danbury, Union Savings Bank and the Danbury Cultural Commission. The initiative’s annual benefit performance funds the Khalda Logan Scholarship for talented middle and high school students from Danbury Public Schools.
Ballet Ambassadors
Community members who introduce friends, colleagues and congregations to the ballet. Become a Ballet Ambassador
To book a program for your school district, treatment center or community organization, call (860) 293-1039 or (203) 964-1211.