Reach Out and Dance (ROAD), the arts education community outreach program of the CVYB, is proud to have been serving area children for over 14 years! Thanks to this exciting (and educational!) non-profit program, more than 1,300 fourth grade students in the Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Wooster public schools receive weekly in-school dance classes each year at absolutely no charge. Classes are led by a professionally trained staff of dance teachers, with live music provided by classically trained pianists. In addition to weekly programming, participants are provided with complimentary tickets to a CVYB performance for themselves and their families, as well as given the opportunity to earn scholarships to further their dance training at Excellence in Dance studio in Cuyahoga Falls. ROAD’s mission is to integrate dance into the public school curriculum while increasing self-discipline, self-esteem, problem solving, goal-setting, and team-building skills in its participants. ROAD students are taught that hard work and persistence can lead to success in the dance classroom, the school classroom, and beyond!

Research has shown that participation in the performing arts is a potent factor in stemming violence and drug abuse, and in keeping children from dropping out of school (Critical Evidence: How the Arts benefit Student Achievement, 2006, National Assembly of Arts Agencies). In addition, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 17%, or 12.5 million children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. Since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled. To address this growing epidemic, ROAD, in conjunction with Dr. Sharon Hull of NEOUCOM, has developed the “Fit Minute” curriculum. During these fit minutes, ROAD students are taught how physical exercise, such as dancing, benefits their bodies and their minds. Reach Out and Dance firmly believes that dance is fitness for body, mind, and soul, and is the perfect vehicle for teaching children how to maintain a healthy lifestyle!

Because ROAD believes that all children can succeed, students with special needs are fully included in Reach Out and Dance and encouraged to actively participate alongside their peers. Each year, ROAD students are given further enrichment through participation in a curriculum-based performance to showcase their new-found skills. These fun performances are based on Ohio Academic Content Standards and meet the Arts and Culture Requirement for 4th and 5th grades as determined by the Ohio Department of Education. Past ROAD performances have included such titles as Step into Science, On the ROAD through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and The ROAD to Good Health. Students are given the opportunity to shine before their families and friends while gaining new knowledge, valuable skills, and the benefits of plenty of heart healthy exercise!

ROAD is a non-profit corporation that operates solely on the funds raised through grant awards and donations. Both public corporations and private family foundations have recognized the good work that ROAD does and have supported the program in its entirety. We, and the more than 16,000 children that have benefited from ROAD, appreciate their generous contributions and unwavering support. Reach Out and Dance hopes to continue putting kids on the road to good health for many years to come!

To learn more about ROAD and how you can get involved, please contact Artistic Director Kara Stewart at 330-524-6697 or kara4road@aol.com.