Our outreach programs are made possible through the generosity of our donors. We hope you consider making a donation today.

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MorDance’s commitment to youth empowerment and engagement through community partnerships is integral to the company’s mission and longevity. Creating a more inclusive landscape for ballet and the performing arts begins with nurturing the creative expression of young people who are most impeded from participating in the arts in the first place. We believe that youth engagement begins with the opportunity for personal discovery, wonderment, and meaningful experiences. 

Annually, MorDance offers in-school dance workshops and performances to hundreds of children across Yonkers and New York City, including those in some of the most disadvantaged districts. Led by the company’s professional dancers, our workshops allow students to work directly with artists who serve as models for excellence. In addition, each year MorDance stages a free full-length outreach performance at some of NYC’s most well known theaters as well as at our home in Yonkers. This extraordinary occasion offers youth who otherwise may not be afforded the opportunity to attend such a performance an inspiring showcase of contemporary ballet.

In January of 2024 MorDance launched tuition-free after-school dance programs at our studios and with community partners in Yonkers. We are currently serving over 100 students weekly and have plans for doubling enrollment by the fall of 2024.

With a commitment to making dance accessible to underserved, and marginalized youth, MorDance is joining leaders in youth outreach arts programing to combat the following statistic:

  • Low-income students who are highly engaged in the arts are more than 2x as likely to graduate college as their peers with no art education.*

  • Students who regularly participate in the arts are 4x more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.*

  • Students who regularly participate in the arts are 4x more likely to participate in a math or science fair.*

  • Students who regularly participate in the arts are 3x more likely to win an award for school attendance.*

  • Students who regularly participate in the arts are 3x more likely to be elected to class office.*

  • 30% of public elementary schools have no visual arts classes.+

  • 50% of the poorest public elementary schools don't even have an art room.+

  • 90% of public elementary schools don't have a dance or drama teacher.+

  • During the 1999-2000 school year, 20 percent of schools offered dance and theatre classes, but in the 2009-10 school year, only 3 percent of schools allocated funds for dance classes, and only 4 percent taught theatre.+


    * Americans for the Arts

    +National Center For Education Statistics


A word from our students…

Something I learned during the time with MorDance was how to not be afraid of doing things in front of people. The dancers taught me to have self confidence. -Seventh Grader, Evelyn A.

I think dance and other art forms are important because they represent culture and personality. Also many people like to show their feelings through art and that’s important. -Seventh Grader, Daniela T.

Dance offers us a form of expression and expressing ourselves is really important.  MorDance helped me express myself. -Seventh Grader, Daniel S.

My favorite part of being with MorDance was learning all the ballet steps and all the positive feelings I felt while dancing from the dancers. -Sixth Grader, Anahla V.

I think dance and the arts are important because they allow people to expand their horizons beyond just academics or their regular lifestyle.  Many forms of dance or the arts are very expressive and give us a way to tell stories or express feelings beyond words.  Most art forms help us to strengthen our minds and bodies in very creative ways too. -Seventh Grader, Pricilla T.

MorDance taught me that dance is pretty cool.  I think dance and art is important because it encourages creativity and individuality. -Seventh Grader, Avon T.

What I liked about MorDance was that they were honest about things they fear. Also, they are very smooth when they dance because they work together as a team. -Tenth Grader, Xiomy B.

My favorite part of the experience with MorDance was when we separated into groups and danced across the stage. -Seventh Grader, Amanda B. 

I think dance is important because it lets you express yourself through your body and through your facial expressions, and we get to express ourselves without words. -Seventh Grader, Nefertiti J.

I liked how the professional dancers performed nicely with a smile and how they had patience teaching us moves. -Ninth Grader, Katherine M.

I liked the professionals appearance here at the school because their performance was inspiring. -Ninth Grader, Samya M.