“Teen Exchange is amazing. It’s a place where you can really be yourself and make beautiful, crazy dances in a loving environment. I can’t go a single class without smiling!”
-Molly Barth, Teen Exchange President“I’m so lucky to have invested my time in a place where we can create beautiful movement without fear of judgment, and where I feel comfortable making no hesitations. Over the past several years, Teen Exchange has not only become one of my top priorities, but also my second home.”
-Nora Baker, Teen Exchange Member
Youth Programs at Dance Exchange. Photo by Alexis Iammarino.
Based on the core principals and tools of the Dance Exchange, Youth Programs at Dance Exchange offer both leadership and artistic development to youth ages 6-18 through two programs: Youth Exchange (ages 6-12) and Teen Exchange (ages 13-18). Under the direction of Wayles Haynes, Youth Programs Coordinator, young people will grow in three ways:
• As movers, gaining confidence in their physical abilities and building expressive bodies.
• As thinkers, connecting imagination and creativity to questions that matter.
• As citizens learning the value of collaboration and the benefit of both leading and following.
This unique youth-led program is designed to address students’ individual interests and needs while giving them the chance to take on leadership roles.
• In the studio, students take weekly technique classes, learn to choreograph and build lasting friendships.
• In the world, dancers perform on traditional stages or in unlikely public spaces presenting youth generated work.
• In our community, youth make connections through dance and discussion with diverse groups and individuals.
Youth participants collaborate with peers to craft new works discovering and connecting to a central theme. During the course of the year young people undergo a creative process involving research through a wide range of artistic mediums and discussions, crafting the dance with the Dance Exchange Toolbox and producing the work to the public at Youth Arts Night 2012.
In 2011-2012, we ask “How do we move? What’s changing? Does anything stay the same?” Youth Programs investigate change in Shift, Transform, Revolve. Participants shape the discussion and design of community engagement events and choreography that ask “How do we transform ourselves and our world?”
Dance creates strong relationships and powerful connections in thoughts, individuals, andcommunities. Our programs provide meaningful movement experiences that connect participants to their personal story and the greater community. Youth Programs welcome all youth ages 6-18 who are interested. No experience is required. Contact Wayles Haynes for more information, wayles@danceexchange.org.
