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Dance Theater of Florida Named an Approved Step Up For Students Provider

Dance Theater of Florida Named an Approved Step Up For Students Provider

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The Elevé Program is designed to introduce second-grade students from Title I schools to classical ballet through three components: in-school workshops, a lecture demonstration, and the opportunity to attend a live performance.

A Dance Theater of Florida instructor leads six creative-dance workshops on site at the elementary school. The children learn about ballet and other dance styles, and receive instruction on jumping, turning, and stretching their bodies. In addition, they create their own choreography and make a brief presentation of what they have learned during the final workshop.

The second part of the Elevé program brings Dance Theatre of Florida dancers into the school to provide a lecture demonstration for a larger group of students (e.g., all the school’s first and second graders). The students learn how dancers train daily, enjoy watching solo dances performed in costume, and learn how movements are put together to create choreography.

The third element of the program allows students the opportunity to attend a Dance Theater of Florida production in a proscenium theater. Complimentary tickets are provided for the students and their families. When students attend a performance as a school field trip, the cost of busing is covered either by the school district or underwritten by Dance Theater of Florida.

Impact

A significant outcome of the Elevé program is the relationship that has developed between Dance Theater and its partner schools. We have had the pleasure of working with Lake Park Elementary School for the past six years. The school administrators are positive and encouraging, and the tremendous support we have received from the classroom teachers has been key to the program’s success.  

During the workshops, the ballet teacher looks for children who show aptitude for and interest in further training. At the end of the workshops, we identify approximately four girls and four boys to whom we can offer additional training opportunities. They might be invited to attend our summer-dance program, and/or receive scholarships for year-round classes at our studios.

The Elevé program has had numerous positive outcomes for children and their families. As an example, a student from Lake Park Elementary participated in our summer-dance program and, as a result, was offered a scholarship to attend year-round classes. The student was joined by her sister who was subsequently invited to enroll at the Bak Middle School of the Arts the following year.

More recently, a young male student from Lake Park Elementary also attended our summer-dance program and then continued on with us during the school year. He is now taking both ballet and jazz classes and will participate in our end-of-year showcase performances.

Program Participation

We are thrilled to announce that Dance Theater of Florida is now an approved service provider through Florida's Step Up For Students Scholarship Program. As one of the few dance organizations in Palm Beach County participating in the program, we are excited to offer families a new way to access high-quality dance education and performance opportunities.

Through eligible Step Up scholarships, funds may be used toward:

  • Dance classes and training programs
  • Performance participation fees
  • Summer camps and intensives
  • Other qualifying extracurricular dance-related expenses

This is exciting news for current scholarship recipients as well as families exploring educational options for the upcoming school year.

How Can Scholarship Funds Be Used?

If your child is already enrolled in a Step Up scholarship program, scholarship funds may be applied toward eligible Dance Theater of Florida programs.

Could Your Child Qualify?

Step Up For Students offers several scholarship opportunities that serve a wide range of students, including:

  • Homeschooled students
  • Students attending private schools
  • Students with unique abilities and disabilities
  • Students with learning differences or educational support plans
  • Families seeking expanded educational opportunities

Because scholarship eligibility requirements vary by program, we encourage families to contact Step Up For Students directly to determine which scholarship may be the best fit for their child.

Apply Early

Scholarship funding is limited and programs may reach capacity. Families who believe they may qualify are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize available funding opportunities.

For more information, contact:

Step Up For Students
Phone: 1-877-735-7837

Why Dance Matters

The State of Florida recognizes physical education as the development of skills related to movement, agility, flexibility, strength, stamina, teamwork, and overall wellness. Dance naturally incorporates all of these elements while fostering creativity, discipline, confidence, and artistic expression.

At Dance Theater of Florida, we believe every child should have access to the transformative benefits of dance. Our partnership with Step Up For Students helps make professional dance training more accessible to families throughout our community and supports our mission of providing exceptional arts education to all students.

We are honored to partner with Step Up For Students and look forward to helping more children discover the joy, discipline, and lifelong benefits of dance.

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