Dance Augusta Outreach

In 2008, Dance Augusta directed its community outreach focus on Richmond County Title One schools, wherein the largest proportion of the student body lives below the poverty level. Under the expertise of Development Director, Tammy Westafer, twenty-five schools were approached with a special offer to bring these children into the theatre to see Act II of The Nutcracker. These children get very little exposure to any of the arts and for many, this would be their first experience with live theater.

Through a partnership with The Art Factory, Dance Augusta applied for grant funding to offer school performances to these schools at no cost! Dance Augusta covered all the expenses of transporting these students to the three shows; the drivers’ fees, bus charges, gas mileage and any other expenditure associated with transportation.

Prior to seeing the performance, members of Dance Augusta visited the participating schools beforehand to read the Nutcracker story and present the children with lesson plans associated with Nutcracker. Then, over 2100 students from 15 schools were brought to the Imperial Theatre for the magical second act of The Nutcracker.

Based on the enthusiastic response from students and teachers alike, the experience was unforgettable for all and a resounding success. Because of this, Dance Augusta was able to expand its community outreach efforts in 2009 beyond Richmond County. All Title One schools in Aiken, Burke and McDuffie counties were invited to attend The Nutcracker’s second act at a $3 ticket price. Again, the response was so overwhelming that another school show was added for 2009, bringing over 3,200 students to four SOLD OUT shows! Dance Augusta is thrilled to be able to share the magic of dance to a growing audience of enthralled children and plans to continue their outreach efforts in 2010.