educational outreach

In addition to presenting a series of world-class dance companies, DANCECleveland serves as a "presenter and more" by acting as a commissioner, collaborator and catalyst that brings the passion and verve of modern and contemporary dance to Northeast Ohio through a variety of educational and outreach programming for people of all ages.

DANCECleveland embraces, educates, inspires and supports dance by maintaining our core values to nurture the human spirit, expand aesthetic experiences in our community and stimulate fun, joy and passion.

Educational Programs

Read to Learn… Dance to Move

Read to Learn…Dance to Move is an early childhood literacy and movement program that encourages a love of reading through dance to hundreds of Pre-K and Kindergarten students each year and is taught by local professional dancers. The program culminates with the children attending an age-appropriate live dance performance! Learn More.

Master Classes

Each visiting dance company leads at least one dance master class that is offered free of charge to area students, pre-professional and professional dancers. In this special experience, students have the chance to learn from the very best professionals in their field, enhancing their dance education. Learn More.

Extended Dance Residencies

We invite some dance companies on our season to be in the community for an extended period of time to teach high school and college dance classes, provide up-close professional dance experiences for students and community members and to provide space and time for them to create new dance work. Students learn what it is like to be a professional dancer and share in experiences that will have an impact on their own dance careers.

Career Development for High School Dance Students

DANCECleveland often creates additional programming to answer a community need. Our professional development day was created after receiving several phone calls from concerned parents who did not know what steps their child needed to take in order to have a career in the art form of dance. DANCECleveland created a curriculum to help parents and students navigate the possibilities for a potential career in dance. The career development day is designed for high school dance students and their parents to learn about careers in dance on and off the stage and the preparation process. Taught by professionals in the field, students and their parents learn about options to consider prior to applying for college and how to pursue their dreams in dance as a career.

Local Dance Studio Showcase

During American Dance Festival in Cleveland, DANCECleveland presents the Local Dance Studio showcase, an adjudicated showcase of some of the best local dance students across northeast Ohio. This showcase is free for studios to participate in, and free for audience members to attend and allows students to experience what it is like to work in a professional theater such as Playhouse Square. Learn More.