Accent Dance NYC has created a specialized curriculum for elementary, middle school and high school-aged students through in-school or after-school programs and summer session activities. Dance units include African dance, step, ballet, salsa, tango, creative movement, and hip hop, with professional development and literacy components. Programs can be implemented as part of physical education classes, arts integration programs, or as part of a community organization’s activities. Programs also can include: Career Day; Parents’ Night for students, faculty and parents; pre- and post-implementation planning with teachers and administrators; pre- and post-activity surveys; and a student performance at the end of the residency.

Accent Dance NYC offers participating schools a one-hour educational performance which takes a journey through various dance styles, including classical ballet, tango, hip hop, salsa, African dance and tap. We also offer educational performances dedicated to special events and holidays, including Black and Hispanic history. A narration interweaves the dance segments with the educational strategy of explaining basic elements and differences among the styles, yet proposing through the choreography that such diverse styles can be integrated into a harmonious whole. Each dance form is presented within a cultural-historic context, for the students’ educational enrichment. Accent Dance NYC brings its own sound system to perform at auditoriums, gyms, or cafeterias, to fit each school’s needs and capabilities.

This is an intergenerational program that brings together students and their parents/caregivers. Schools can choose from a range of social dances, including Latin dances, Afrobeat, Step, hip hop, etc. These workshops can be ‘stand-alone’ events from 90 minutes to 2 hours long, or a series of workshops. They are offered at times when parents/ caregivers are available and able to join their child, and other siblings or family are also invited. They are fun and festive events through which the schools/sites can further engage and embrace their community.