Founded in 1990, Dance – The Next Generation (DNG) is designed to nurture the development of the entire individual through dance. With a focus on instilling discipline, heightening self-esteem, and strengthening a desire for higher education, DNG has served the children in our community for over thirty years.
Shaped by national research, Dance – The Next Generation (DNG) begins in third grade and continues through grade twelve or graduation from high school. Each year, DNG enrolls between 35 and 45 new students in Grade 3, adding an enrollment of approximately 160 students from Grade 3 to 12 annually. The average student will remain in the program for 10 years. Through an audition process, DNG staff work with teachers and school administrators to identify students who are “at risk” of dropping out of school. Nearly 100% of the students are from Title I schools.
To ensure there is no obstacle to participation, the DNG program is free to the students and their families. From transportation, dance instruction, dance clothing, dance shoes, mentoring, enrichment activities, and tickets to The Sarasota Ballet’s main-stage performances, these resources are completely free to the participants.
For more information about the DNG program, please contact us at [email protected].
Our Mission: To inspire, motivate and educate the Dance – The Next Generation students to graduate from high school through the discipline of dance.
Our Vision: Dance – The Next Generation empowers students to realize their FULL potential.