Partnering with Diversity

SIB's free dance training program - Dancing Over Walls™ - promotes diversity in the arts, and continues to win an enthusiastic response from children and families in economically challenged areas. The program awards full scholarships – along with travel and free dancewear – to 15 talented youths each year. This past year, two of our original Dancing Over Walls™ students who had studied free with us for a decade won college scholarships in dance.

Outreach to locate candidates for Dancing Over Walls™ is done through a volunteer network as well as dance company demonstrations at public libraries and schools in economically challenged areas. Students accepted into the program aren't publicly identified as such, enabling freer participation as peers.

More than 100 talented and deserving students over the years have benefited from the free training program, while improving academic performance and gaining self esteem with peer status. Selected students have performed with the professional company in original children's roles in works created to expose them to legitimate theater.