The Yard (Youth At Risk Dancing)
 Cleotha McJunkins III as the Prince. |
|
Photo:
Mandy McMulloch
|
Like the street gangs it mimics with a positive twist, The YARD, says Cleveland School of the Arts Principal Earl Cohen, "gives inner-city male teenagers stability, a safe place to express their emotions, to come to terms with neglect and abuse experienced at home, and low self-esteem."
The YARD also gives them professional training of the highest quality, training based upon the philosophy of "learning art by doing art." Throughout the year, teens train with the Ohio Ballet and with the Pilobolus Dance Theater. Alison Chase, Pilobolus Co-Artistic Director, is currently collaborating with The YARD to direct and choreograph An Urban Nutcracker. Director Bill Wade, too, choreographs pieces for the students, frequently basing them on their lives. "The kids give me the content. They find out how to talk about issues in life through art."
In addition to rigorous dance training, The YARD provides tutoring and mentoring to help students with academic or social problems. Two psychologists work with the members individually and in concert with their peers and parents.
At its very heart, The YARD uses dance to give young males the chance to break out of the poverty cycle. The proof is in the students themselves: While many of the participants fit the profile of students poised for failure, 96 percent of the participants have successfully completed their high school studies, and the majority have moved on to higher education, or joined professional dance companies.
| The
Yard (Youth At Risk Dancing) Cleveland School of the Arts 2064 Stearns Road Cleveland, OH 44106 Phone: 216-795-8040 Fax: 216-421-7689 E-mail: cello40@aol.com Focus: Dance Number Participating: 30 Ages: 11-18 Annual Budget: $38,000 "The Yard is by far the most vibrant and successful educational outreach program in dance that I have seen." Alison Chase Co-Artistic Director, Pilobolus Dance Theater |