On this week’s episode of “On Your Mind WIth Mia Mendez” Christina Patras, RockReach Manager and Outreach Coordinator for the Rock School of Dance, discusses RockReach, an outreach program aiming to make dance more accessible to under served urban youth in the greater Philadelphia area. Designed to make a significant, long lasting impact on a child’s social, artistic, and academic life.
The Rock School’s multifaceted community outreach program aims to make dance more accessible to underserved urban youth in the greater Philadelphia area. RockReach serves students in parochial, charter, public, and Title I schools in Philadelphia. Our three-pronged initiative enhances the lives of economically disadvantaged youths and offers them a safe space to explore, grow, and express themselves through creative outlets. Established in 2000, RockReach now serves over 12,000 Philadelphia children. In-School Residencies engage students during 36 weeks of high-quality dance instruction that is integrated in each participating school’s curriculum. Currently serving 14 schools, local students participate in one or two dance classes a week and are granted free access to select Rock School performances. Dynamics of Dance provides participants with free, interactive, energetic performances by Rock School students. Designed to inspire children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see classical ballet, children are invited to share the stage with Rock students and learn basic ballet terminology and positions. Through City Dance Scholarships, RockReach integrates 30 students into The Rock School after-school training program, offering free tuition and dance supplies.
