SY24/25 K-12 Dance Residency Information

MPS Arts is excited to invite any elementary, middle, or high school to apply for the 2024-2025 K-12 Dance Residency program!  This is a free dance residency program that is in collaboration with Young Dance.  The intention of this residency program is to increase dance education access across the district and to impact student curiosity about dance and the performing arts. 

Awarded schools will receive a 5 day residency tailored to their classroom's specific needs and led by a Young Dance teaching artist.  Please be as detailed as possible in your answers and carefully read through the expectations listed below:

Important Dates:

• September 27, 2024 - Applications Open

• October 16, 2024 - Applications are due! 

• October 30, 2024 - Awarded schools are notified and announced

• November 5, 2024 - Virtual Kick-Off Meeting at 9:30AM.

Expectations & Responsibilities:

To ensure a successful residency experience, MPS Arts & Young Dance expects applying schools to understand their responsibilities and expectations as collaborative partners with Young Dance staff and Teaching Artists. By participating in K-12 Dance Residency Program you agree to:

•    Communicate in a timely manner for scheduling and planning

•    Attend a planning meeting with all participating teachers, Teaching Artist, & Young Dance Staff or MPS Arts Content Lead

•    Prepare students with clear goals and expectations prior to the residency

•    Collaborate with the Teaching Artist during the residency days

•    Support positive student engagement and participate in residency activities 

•    Complete a final evaluation of your experience

Please contact K-12 Arts Content Lead, Lori Ledoux - lori.ledoux@mpls.k12.mn.us, for direct questions and/or additional assistance.

Click HERE to apply.

Click HERE to view Young Dance Residency Dance Offerings and click HERE to view their artistic team of teachers.

ABOUT YOUNG DANCE

Since 1987, Young Dance has encouraged youth in our community to build body and spirit through the art of dance. Our mission is to transform lives through movement. We are an inclusive community where creativity flourishes, encouraging personal and artistic excellence through diverse forms of dance.

Young Dance encourages peer-to-peer mentorship and collaboration in the making of dances. Through our engagement of youth of all abilities, body types, and economic, social and cultural backgrounds, we provide an environment in which diversity is authentically embraced and celebrated. The young people with whom we work become leaders in their schools, which prepare them for leadership roles – both formal and informal – in their communities. By working with professional, highly accomplished artists, Young Dance dancers develop a keen understanding of the art form, the complexity of creating a production, and the power of the pursuit of excellence.