In its second semester, this pilot program provided an after-school Dance Club for a local elementary school and was deemed a great success through the partnership of The Shriver Center, Tri-Churches Housing, Inc. (http://www.tchtoday.org) and Samuel F.B. Morse Elementary School. Last semester, the Terrific Tiger Dancers were formed through the support of several wonderful volunteers (a mix of Dance majors and non-Dance majors). Approximately 20 1st-5th graders met with these volunteers several times per week to learn African Dance and Hip Hop in preparation for the school-wide Thanksgiving Recital.
For the spring 2009 semester, we are expanding the outreach of this opportunity based on the great interest of the school:
- Monday/Wednesdays - 2:45-4:45 pm for Beginners
- Tuesdays/Thursdays - 2:45-4:45 pm for Advanced (many of the returners from fall 2008)
A Shriver Center van has been designated for use for this site. The times listed above includes the travel time (10-15 from UMBC) to and from UMBC.
Those interested do not need to be Dance majors. As mentioned, the Terrific Tigers enjoyed African Dance and Hip Hop, so that theme might continue for the spring.
If you have any questions and/or are interested, please contact Lori Hardesty at lhardesty@umbc.edu or (410) 455-2493.