Our Outreach Initiatives
MorDance’s outreach programs bring professional artists directly into schools and community spaces, using live performance and movement to spark confidence, creativity, and conversation. Rather than simply teaching dance steps, our artists engage students and audiences in storytelling, self-expression, and shared dialogue — making the performing arts accessible to those who may never otherwise experience them.
Our Work In Action
In 2025 MorDance:
800+ students served through direct programs
partnered with 5 schools and 4 youth serving community organizations
4 free student matinee performances
16 need-based scholarships provided for after-school dance classes
Watching dance performances with storylines like this can bring people together, because people can talk about the message behind the dances.
-Jacqueline, 4th grade
Something I learned during my 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.
Example in Practice
MorDance programs frequently connect the arts with other fields of learning. During a performance of Albatross, a work exploring ocean plastic pollution and its impact on seabirds, MorDance partnered with geoscientist Dr. Vicky Ferrini, who spoke with students about global ocean floor mapping and marine ecosystems.
Following the performance, students participated in a question-and-answer session with both the scientist and the artists. Rather than asking only about choreography, one student asked what the artists and Dr Ferrini personally do in their own lives to help the environment. The conversation shifted from observing a performance to discussing responsibility, choices, and real-world action.
Moments like this illustrate the purpose of MorDance outreach. The goal is not only exposure to the arts, but engagement, encouraging students to ask questions, reflect on complex topics, and see themselves as participants in their communities.
“What’s one of the ways you
help environmentally yourself?”
What We See in Our Own Programs
While national research shows the value of arts education, we witness its impact firsthand through our work in schools and communities across Westchester County.
In MorDance programs, students are not passive observers, they actively create, perform, and respond to artistic work alongside professional dancers. Through this direct engagement, we consistently observe meaningful social and educational outcomes.
Teachers and school partners report that students who participate in MorDance workshops often:
Become more willing to participate in class discussions
Show increased confidence presenting in front of peers
Demonstrate stronger collaboration and listening skills
Take greater ownership of group projects and creative assignments
Interested in bringing MorDance to your school or community organization?
We offer in-school performances, workshops, residencies, and student matinee experiences designed to introduce young people to dance in an engaging and accessible way.
We also welcome schools and community groups to attend our performances.
To learn more or start a conversation, please email us and a member of our team will be in touch.
FAQ’s
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Participation in the arts offers students significant academic and social benefits, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Research demonstrates:
Academic Achievement: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 regularly participating in the arts are 4X more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.*
These students are also 4X more likely to participate in a math or science fair.*
Regular arts participants are 3X more likely to win an award for school attendance.*
Social and Leadership Skills:
Students regularly participating in the arts are 3X more likely to be elected to class office.*
Despite these benefits, arts education in public schools has been declining:
30% of public elementary schools have no visual arts classes.+
50% of the poorest public elementary schools don't 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.+
This data underscores the importance of arts education and highlights the growing disparity in access to these programs, particularly in low-income areas. The decline in arts education limits students' potential for academic and social growth.
* Americans for the Arts
+National Center For Education Statistics
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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.
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If you know a student who is passionate about dance but faces financial barriers, MorDance is here to help. We are committed to making dance accessible to everyone and offer scholarships and financial aid options to those in need. Please reach out to us directly to discuss the available opportunities and how we can support the student’s journey in dance. We believe everyone deserves the chance to express themselves through the art of dance, and we are dedicated to making that a reality.
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That's wonderful to hear! MorDance is always eager to collaborate with community organizations and schools to expand the reach and impact of dance. We offer a variety of partnership opportunities, including educational programs, workshops, and performances that can be tailored to meet the needs of your organization or school. Please contact us to discuss how we can work together to bring dance into your community and create enriching experiences for your members or students. We look forward to collaborating and building a meaningful partnership!