Free Dance Classes Available For New Orleans Youth

The NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance, a cultural community partnership between the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) and the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA), as well as other NOBA partner programs, are holding ongoing registrations beginning Tuesday, September 3 for 2013-2014 academic year after-school and Saturday dance classes throughout the Greater New Orleans Area. Registration will remain open on a first come, first served basis through Monday, September 30 or until classes are filled. Academic year classes begin the week of Monday, September 9. Students are placed in the appropriate class based on both age and experience level.

 

This nationally award-winning program provides free technique classes in ballet, tap, modern, and hip hop, as well as other styles of dance, for youth between the aged 6 through 18 (note: classes offered vary by location). Participants benefit from various performance opportunities throughout the year, including fully produced and costumed performances of The Nutcracker Suite at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall on Sunday, December 15, winter concerts at each community site, and spring productions. Students are also offered $5 tickets to attend select performances during NOBA’s Main Stage Season.

 

Interested students are required to submit documentation in person at the time of registration, including completed enrollment application (available at registration or download online at www.nobadance.com),

current copy of proof of income and proof of residency, and a copy of the student’s birth certificate if the student is ages 6-7. 

 

The complete schedule of 2013-2014 Academic Year Registration locations and dates is as follows:

 

Chevron Studio at Lyons NORDC Center, 624 Louisiana Avenue (Lower Garden District/Irish Channel)

Registration is on Tuesday, September 3, and Thursday, September 5, from 5-7pm.

Late afternoon/early evening dance class schedule (Monday-Thursday) TBA.

 

Joe Brown NORDC Center, 5601 Read Boulevard (New Orleans East)

Registration is on Tuesday, September 3, from 5-7pm.

Youth ballet classes are on Mondays between 5-7pm.

Youth tap classes are on Tuesdays between 5-7pm.

Youth hip hop classes are on Wednesdays between 5-7pm.

Youth modern classes are on Thursdays between 5-7pm.

 

Treme NORDC Center, 900 N. Villere Street (Treme)

Registration is on Wednesday, September 4, from 5-7pm.   

Late afternoon/early evening dance class schedule (Monday-Thursday) TBA.

 

Wilson Charter School, 3617 General Pershing (Broadmoor)

Registration is on Wednesday, September 4, from 5-7pm.

Youth ballet classes are on Wednesdays between 5-8:15pm and Saturdays between 10am-1:45pm.

 

St. Jerome Church, 2402 33rd Street (Kenner)

Registration is on Thursday, September 5, from 5-7pm.

Youth ballet classes are on Thursdays between 5:15-8:30pm. 

 

Chalmette High School Cultural Arts Center, 1100 East Judge Perez Drive (Chalmette)

Registration is on Wednesday, September 11, from 5-7pm.

Youth ballet classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays between 5:30-8:30pm.

 

Since its founding in 1992, the NORDC/NOBA Center for Dance has provided more than 37,000 tuition-free dance classes and activities for more than 12,000 youth, garnering national recognition and awards along the way, including the Coming Up Taller Award by the President’s Commission on the Arts and the Humanities in 2002.

 

For more information regarding educational programming and 2013-2014 academic year registrations and classes, please contact Susan Bensinger at sbensinger@nobadance.com or call NOBA’s Education Department at 504.522.0996 ext. 203.

 

For more information about NOBA’s upcoming main stage season, please visit www.nobadance.com or call 504-522-0996. Find NOBA on Facebook and follow @nobadance on Twitter.