SPAC Dance Project
A 10-week in-school dance residency inspiring curiosity, creativity, and connection through movement.
SPAC’s mission includes ensuring every student, regardless of background or ability, should experience the life-changing power of the arts. Dance education is not just movement—it’s expression, wellness, identity, and joy. The SPAC Dance Project is one of our proudest expressions of this belief.
Program Objectives
Build confidence and a positive self-image
Celebrate each student’s abilities, individual expression, and growth, helping them appreciate what their bodies and creative minds can do.
Learn the value of collaboration and teamwork
Through group dances and activities, help students work together and support each other, learning the value of cooperation and building positive relationships with their peers.
Discover a love for dance
Create an exciting and enjoyable environment where students can discover how fun and freeing dance can be, sparking a love for movement that might last a lifetime.
Feel empowered to take risks and grow
Ensure all students feel welcomed, valued, and respected, no matter their dance experience or skill level, so they feel empowered to take risks, grow, and enjoy learning in a safe and encouraging space.
Develop greater curiosity
Introduce students to new perspectives and ideas through a curricular theme, fostering curiosity about the world and their place in it.
Learn how to express themselves through creative movement
Let students explore their own ideas through dance, giving them opportunities to create movements that reflect their unique personalities and creativity.
“Beyond exposing kids to and affording them to experience the performing arts, the real impact as voiced by staff and parents, was the confidence and self-esteem that the kids gained by participating.”
– Participating School Superintendent
“This program goes far beyond dance steps. It builds confidence, community, and creativity.”
– Jill Bonacio, Principal, Pashley Elementary
Details About the Program
- Two SPAC teaching artists and a SPAC musician visit your school to teach ten dance classes to every student participating in the program.
- Residencies can be scheduled within a 10-week timeframe. Ask us about our flexible three-session hybrid option, which combines in-person and video sessions.
- All students in a selected grade or grades are invited to participate in the program.
- Dance classes take place during the school day to ensure that they are an integral part of the students’ daily learning.
- Each residency is based on a curricular theme. Previous years’ themes include genres of music, inspirational artists, and world cultures.
- Students will present a celebratory performance on the final day of the program. This presentation lasts approximately 45-55 minutes and includes both a daytime showing for classmates and teachers and an evening performance for families and friends.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a registered BOCES Arts & Enrichment provider.
SPAC Dance Project is inspired by the award-winning pedagogy developed by National Dance Institute.
Interested in bringing SPAC Dance Project to your school?
If you are a schoolteacher, principal, or administrator, and you’re interested in the SPAC Dance Project program, please call our Education Department at 518.584.9330 or contact us.