Programs

To bring our mission into being CDI has created the following programs...

Dance Rascals...
Is an arts education and outreach program that introduces children to the art of dance in a fun and engaging style.  CDI travels to preschools, kindergartens, daycare facilities, elementary schools, after-school programs, and anywhere there is a group of children.  The classes are designed to show the power and relevance of dance, using dance styles throughout history and in different cultures.  This gives them an appreciation and flavor for the possibilities of dance, often redefining their idea of what dance can be.

LEAP TROUPE...
 

...is a performing ensemble of talented children ages 8-12 who have participated in
CDI programs and have been invited to participate in LEAP because of their
exceptional abilities and attitudes. LEAP is an acronym for...

Love of the art of dance
Expression of self
Attitude of hard work
Performers

LEAP TROUPE meets regularly and creates performance ready dances to
be shown at different events throughout the year.

Dancing through School!
...is an in-school program in which CDI works in partnership with individual schools to integrate an artist in residence programs with the school's curriculum. Classes of children receive a weekly dance class with a live musician, learn and rehearse choreography, and put together a show to be performed for the rest of the school. Designed to foster teamwork, confidence, a standard of excellence, and a sense of accomplishment, this program strives to restore, or in some cases introduce, the values of dance as part of a child's learning development through the school system.
 

                                 

CDI Open Classes...
 

Children’s Dance Institute (CDI) Fall Open Classes! 

Dance With Me– is a class for 2 and 3 year olds to take with a parent or guardian. These classes will allow younger students to learn the basics of dance at an early age. With the help and participation of their parent or guardian, we will focus on development of motor skills, hand eye coordination, flexibility, rhythm, being comfortable with movement, and, of course, fun.  Parents and children should wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, no uniform required.  

Ages:  2 - 3 years of age (with a parent)

Time: Tuesday, 10 – 10:30

Cost:  $50 for five classes

Class Size:  12 Student/parent pairs

Location: Balance Dance Studio at the Fulton Street Theater, 854 Fulton St. 

Session I:  September 18 – October 16 TUESDAYS

Session II: November 6 – December 11 (no class Thanksgiving week) TUESDAYS 

For more information or to register contact Lisa Lechner at CDI, 484-0142 or email lisa@childrensdanceinstitute.org

Children’s Dance Institute (CDI) at the DOWNTOWN YMCA!

The YMCA is proud to announce a series of cooperative programs taught by Children’s Dance Institute and offered at the Downtown YMCA.   

Session I:  September 18 – October 16 TUESDAYS

Dance Rascals - An arts education and outreach program that introduces children to the art of dance.  The classes are designed to show the power and relevance of dance, using various dance styles.  While basic dance steps are taught, instruction is designed to be technique-light with emphasis and enthusiasm given to the children’s natural movement tendencies and communal play. 

Dance Rascals I: 3-5 years of age, $40 member, $55 non-member, 3:30-4:00pm (15 students) TUESDAYS

Dance Rascals II: 6-8 years of age, $50 member, $65 non-member, 4:15-5:00pm (20 students) TUESDAYS  

Session II: November 6 – December 11 (no class Thanksgiving week) TUESDAYS 

Ballerina Princess – Taught in the same style as Dance Rascals, Ballerina Princess classes will use ballet vocabulary and dress-up (lots of it!) to fuse a child’s innate joy of moving and make believe with a love of dance.  If your child loves to dress up and twirl, this is the class for them! 

Ballerina Princess I: 3-5 years of age, $40 member, $55 non-member, 3:30-4:00pm (15 students) TUESDAYS

Ballerina Princess II: 6-8 years of age, $50 member, $65 non-member, 4:15-5:00pm (20 students) TUESDAYS

 For class information contact Lisa at 484-0142 or email lisa@childrensdanceinstitute.org.

 To register contact Mary Biddle-Newberry at the YMCA, 344-5502 x276 or email mary.biddle@ymcatvidaho.org

Summer Performance Camps...
...are a favorite for kids in the Treasure Valley. One week camps where students have a daily
dance class with a live musician, learn and rehearse choreography, help design, create and paint a backdrop and put on a show on Saturday at the Downtown Boise Farmers Market.
Summer Camps are done for 2007. A new schedule will be released in Spring 2008.

Cultural Respect Program...
...is a new program offered free of charge to low income at risk pre-schoolers and kindergarteners.
The students are exposed to a variety of different world cultures through dance.
Students develop a respect and appreciation for different cultures and races.

Family Dance Parties
Is a wildly fun dance event for children and parents, provided in a safe, club-like atmosphere.  Dance steps are taught for the crowd, and families are encouraged to boogie together.  Special guests, magicians, dance-off contests, and a variety of other engaging activities add to the excitement of the evening.  The program is accessible to many people, and it provides an affordable, recreational opportunity for families to get out and celebrate being together.
 Our next party will be a Monster Mash, Saturday Oct. 27th from 6-8pm. at the Linen Building. Tickets will go on sale in late September.