School Programs

The Joyce Theater as a classroom, is a unique collaboration among schools, the theater, and dance companies from around the world. The school program is designed to foster an understanding of dance and dance aesthetics among students K-12th grade, to encourage the development of their perceptions and imaginations, and to integrate the arts into classroom learning. Programs address the learning standards for the arts and the blueprints for teaching and learning in the arts.

• Serving as a text, Performances for Study are presented at the theater by leading national and international dance companies, reflecting the cultural, ethnic, and stylistic diversity of The Joyce season.
• Dance Teaching Artists and classroom teachers collaborate throughout the academic year to develop study units around these performances with classes attending two-four performances a season.
• Professional Development Workshops for Teachers create opportunities for ongoing learning and integrate program activities into school curriculum.

If you would like to register your school and see a sample Performance for Study packet, please download a registration packet.

Watch a video of classroom work at PS 174Q.

Dance Residencies in Schools

In addition to the core program, dance artists and companies performing at The Joyce during the fall and spring semesters conduct dance residences at select schools, providing students with valuable opportunities for in-depth explorations of choreography and movement, as well as opportunities for learning and performing dances by master artists. Residency companies have included American Ballroom Theater, American Dance Legacy Institute, Parsons Dance Company and Ballet Hispanico.