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Rod Rodgers Dance School
Since the 1980’s, Rod Rodgers Dance Company (RRDC) has taught classes and workshops in the Company's studio on the Lower East Side. Classes at RRDC aim to offer students enjoyable experiences to help them understand and appreciate modern dance as an art form. In these classes, students explore the relationships between dance, music, poetry, theater and athletics. By learning dance techniques, RRDC’s young students are also taught skills that can be applicable to their academic studies.
In honor and dedication to their Founding Director Rod Rodgers whom had sadly past in March 2002, that summer the company former assistant director and premier soloist now Artistic Director, Ms Kim Grier established its first formal summer program for children ages 5 to 17 offering classes at their newly renovated studio space. The program continues to thrive now in its 7th year as the Rod Rodgers Dance Company & Studios Summer Youth Dance 6 week Intensive. Many of the participants are from our community the Lower Eastside but students come from all boroughs and represent a wide mulit-ethnic mix (20% Hispanic, 50% Black/African American and 20% Caucasian). Others students come to us from our AIE programs and performances in NYC schools and other community based organizations. Offered an array of classes at low cost ($6 to $8 per class) including ballet, modern, West African, hip-hop, jazz, tap, repertory, Conga drums and guest artists teaching flamenco, capoeria, Traditional Haitian and other dance disciplines. The program culminates every August with students presenting what they have learned with two performances for family and friends held at either RRDC’s studios or a local venue with easy access.
In 2003, RRDC launched a pre-professional training workshop for more advanced students, ages 8 to 17. Each year, young people audition to participate and are selected based on talent. Due to participant demand, this program was expanded to include twice-weekly workshops during the school year with a fall-winter and winter-spring session in addition to the summer program and now as grown to include a performing Youth Ensemble. The staff includes Kim Grier, RRDC’s Artistic Director as Program Director and master teacher and other versatile instructors and artists including members of the RRDC. Youth Ensemble members are trained in a variety of dance techniques and are taught Rod Rodgers’ choreography. The ensemble also given professional performance opportunities, often times with or on the same bill as RRDC’s professional concerts. Past Youth Ensemble performances include: the Henry St. Abrons Art Center; the Worldwide Plaza at the World Financial Center; Middle Collegiate Church and their Annual 2nd Avenue Fair; and Fourth Arts Block’s annual street fair, among other venues.
RRDC is committed to providing any talented student who wants to participate in its training programs the opportunity to do so, even if they cannot afford them. To that end, the Company has established a scholarship fund, which they fundraise for annually. Each year, at least 50% of RRDC’s students are offered a partial or full-scholarship.
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