2015-267-E Arts - NC Arts in Action Arts Grant

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DocuSign Envelope ID:6CE20844-42EF-4C06-ACDA-F9F9C06A8620 Orange Co Arts Commission Application Narrative from North Carolina Arts in Action NC Arts In Action Profile North Carolina Arts in Action helps children reach their full potential using performing arts as the catalyst to build focus, discipline, self-esteem,teamwork and leadership. NC Arts in Action is an independent affiliate of the renowned National Dance Institute(NDI)in New York.Arts in Action utilizes award-winning pedagogy to help children develop 21st century skills that carry over into all aspects of their lives.This model, developed by internationally renowned dancer, choreographer,and NDI founder,Jacques d'Amboise,captures children's innate love of movement. Students,who have never before been exposed to dance instruction, learn that movement+music+ideas +teamwork can be made into a dance that tells a story. The high energy,high expectations and dynamic exercises of NDI's curriculum develop a child's self-discipline,define a standard of excellence, and facilitate the development of self-confidence through active movement,intellectual stimulation and artistic expression. Since 2005,NC AIA has reached over 3,800 North Carolina students through direct instruction. Many students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting gain dance knowledge, confidence and increased ability to focus in the atmosphere of high expectations and mutual support created by NC AIA's highly trained instructors.NC AIA residencies involve the entire school community, supported by classroom and specials teachers through collaboration,curriculum tie-ins and enhancement of NC AIA activities with additional music and art projects that complete the year-end performances. Each year,a theme is developed that supports academic and dance curricula standards for 4th grade. The 2015-16 theme will be Dancing the American Dream. Through curriculum integrated dance lessons, over 800 children will have the opportunity to build a base of knowledge about geographic regions, 4 landforms,climate, economic principles, technological developments and resources of the United States, including North Carolina. More than just another dance education program,NC AIA motivates children to believe in themselves,provides a professional environment with professional expectations and the nurturing and encouragement to develop a personal standard of excellence. Our program is active in two Orange County Schools—Rashkis Elementary and St. Thomas More School. NC Arts in Action is committed to serving all children, and with a focus on underserved children in Durham, Orange,and Wake County Schools with high rates of students participating in the free and reduced lunch program.These schools lack additional opportunities to engage children in activities beyond basic instruction. Children in these schools are typically ESL students living in poverty stricken areas of our community,with varying degrees of parental support and intervention. These children don't have the ability or resources to engage in out-of-school activities and have a very limited world view. The participant population in the Arts in Action programs at two of our partner schools is comprised of over 70%Hispanic and 20%African American students. Of our two Orange County schools,Rashkis Elementary is a Title 1 School,with a high percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch. Our second school, St.Thomas More School, is a private school where parents believe in arts exposure for their children, and they provide the minimum of funding for their school's expenses.They also provide an in-kind contribution of the auditorium as training site for the Saturday LEAP program.