Creative Dance Center

Kaleidoscope Dance Company is Creative Dance Center's resident modern dance company of youth ages 7-17. For the 2023-2024 season, thirty children and teens were company members. The Gift of Dance Concert featuring original choreography by Kaleidoscope dancers was presented for three performances at the Erickson Theater in Seattle on December 2 and 3, 2023. Kaleidoscope Spring Concert, held May 10, 11, 12, 2024 at Broadway Performance Hall in Seattle, showcased the company in four performances over one weekend. Emergent, established, and BIPOC choreographers had their work seen by a wide audience. Youth choreography was also featured, amplifying artistic voices of children and teens. We offered free tickets to youth and family focused organizations to attend this concert. Ticket prices for seniors and youth are discounted. Scholarships and tuition assistance given as needed to ensure that children and teens wishing to participate in the company have full access. Kaleidoscope performed an interactive, educational, and entertaining concert for local schools, Olympic Hills Elementary, University Child Development School, and two concerts at Hazel Wolf Elementary. Kaleidoscope dancers participated in the dance and the Child international (daCi) National Gathering at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Financial aid was given to dancers who otherwise would not have been able to participate.

The annual Summer Dance Institute for Teachers (SDIT) offers professional development and personal growth for educators, dance teachers, arts specialists, therapists, and more. This professional learning opportunity provides immersion in the teaching methods developed by CDC Founder, Anne Green Gilbert. These teaching methods are known as Brain-Compatible Dance Education. In July 2023 participants from across the US took part in SDIT. Content included brain-compatible teaching methods for all ages, BrainDance, creative dance, modern, West African dance, curriculum integration, choreography, sequential and holistic lesson planning, inclusion and access, and best practices for classroom management. Scholarships and financial aid were given to those who needed support in order to attend.