“A Chance to Dance”
The Alabama Dance Theatre’s mission since its founding in 1986 has always included serving the community through dance through dance training, performances, and educational outreach programs like MPS On Their Toes and the Girl Scout Dance Badge program.
When Covid-19 imposed restrictions on theatre spaces and made it impossible to bring MPS students to live performances in 2020, ADT devised a new way to continue educational outreach to young people. “We have designed a completely new program: a community open house called “Coming Together Through Dance. Partnering with the City of Montgomery’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Parks and Recreation, we are inviting young people from our community to try dance classes without the expense, commitment, and other normal barriers to entry to dance” said Artistic Director Kate Seale Smith.
Young people from age 8 to 19 from any dance experience level are invited to the Alabama Dance Theatre’s studios at the Armory Learning Arts Center to try a series of three classes, each an hour long, from 10am to 1:30pm. Classes will rotate by age group to take one class with each guest teacher; ADT faculty will be present to assist. A free t-shirt for the event will be given to each participant. Advance registration is required, but the day’s classes are free and open to any member of the community.
“This is the opposite of having students attend a full staged performance: this is a chance to be in the studio, where the work begins. We are thrilled to have Lauren Anderson, the first African-American principal ballerina of Houston Ballet, now program manager of Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement, visit us in Montgomery to offer, as she puts it, “A Chance to Dance!” said Emily Flowers, Director of Development and Public Relations. The other studios will be taught by special guest instructors Lance Washington, hip hop dancer, teacher, and award-winning choreographer, and ADT alum, professional dancer and choreographer Taylor Jordan of New York.
The Armory Learning Arts Center’s Covid-19 protocols will be in place for this event, with temperature checks at the door, masks, and spacing. Advanced registration is strongly suggested to secure a space. All participants will be placed according to age, and will be grouped Ages 8-11, 12-14, and 15-19 years. Class Attire should be clothing that allows freedom of movement with socks for footwear. Long hair should be secured. Jewelry and loose clothing should not be worn in class.
Registration is FREE. Class sizes are limited and will be filled in the order that registration is received.
Download Registration Form
Community Day is planned to be held on a quarterly basis through 2021. Sponsors of 2021 Community Day events are the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Foundation. The series is a partnership with the City of Montgomery’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
ABOUT The Alabama Dance Theatre is based at the Armory Learning Arts Center, which is located at 1018 Madison Avenue. Classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, and more are offered from age 3 to the professional level. For more info on classes and performances, please visit the newly designed site www.alabamadancetheatre.com or call (334) 625-2590.
Media Contact
Emily Flowers, Director of Development & Public Relations
emilyadtdance@gmail.com
334-625-2590, studio
334-538-7776, cell
www.alabamadancetheatre.com
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