In our In-School program, teaching artists work with a partner school, teaching all the children of an entire grade (K-5). Classes take place in school, during school hours, underscoring our belief, and their school's belief, in the importance of the arts.

 

Every child participates. It's part of their curriculum. Homeroom teachers participate, actively or not. Many take a role in the performance!

 

For 45 minutes, students take a rigorous, invigorating, fast paced dance class taught by teaching artists, using the teaching techniques of the National Dance Institute methodology; a method and curriculum recognized internationally as the very best in arts education. 

 

Each class is taught by a lead teacher/choreographer, and a musical accompanist. We use live musical accompaniment for every class a and performance. 

 

Throughout the year, students will learn how to collaborate with their accompanist, learn about tempo, rhythm, mood, and themes. Together, with fellow dancers, they will be able to tell a story! 

 

Is it Ballet? No, it's what we call pedestrian movements. Movements that we all can do: lifted knees, straight arms, high jumps; a fusion of Theatre Dance/ Jazz/ African.

 

In a full year program, classes meet once a week for the entire school year. Students have a chance to show their growing skills both at a mid-year performance/assembly, and at the End-of-Year performance.

 

To fit a school's individual needs, AIM also offers 2, 3, and 4 week residencies, in which students take class daily.

 

Each program culminates with an End of Year performance for the school, family, friends, and community. 

 

They gain confidence. They learn to stay focused. They're constantly being challenged. They learn above and beyond what is required for Washington State's dance assessments.