The Joyce Theater Foundation has had a strong commitment to education through the art of dance since its founding in 1982.  Our Dance Education Program for Schools has always viewed The Joyce Theater as an extension of the classroom. Through our unique collaboration among schools, the Theater, and dance companies from around the world, the program is specifically designed to foster an understanding of dance among students 1st–12th grade; to encourage the development of students’ perceptions and imaginations; and to integrate the arts into classroom learning.

As a national leader in dance education with a strong commitment to community engagement, our education program fosters an understanding of dance, dance aesthetics, and encourages the imagination. For information on how to register contact: danceeducation@joyce.org

Additional Resources

• Click here to see a few examples of student compositions responding to viewing The Envelope choreographed by David Parsons.
• Check out Ms. Heather’s Kids’ Picks! A curation of music, books, videos, web links and more by Heather McCartney, Director of Dance Education & Family Programs.
• Check out Akira's Teen Picks 2021. Curated by our Dance Education & Family Programs Intern Akira Guevara, her teen picks curation is dedicated to the next generation of change-makers.
• Our school programs reach over 2,000 students and teachers through partnerships with New York City metropolitan area schools.
• Our Family Matinees create opportunities for young people to attend age-appropriate Joyce performances.

 

Funding Credits

The Joyce’s Dance Education & Family Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.  Special support provided by Con Edison.

The Joyce Theater Dance Education Program

For 2023-2024, The Joyce Dance Education Program for Schools returns with a series of live dance experiences available to schools and features ten beloved companies for your students (grades 1-12) to enjoy. We are ready to dance with your students and ready for your students to join us in the theater! 

The 2023-24 school season features an exciting array of new and beloved dance companies slated for residencies and in-person, school-time matinees for students and teachers. Have your students explore artistic ideas in dance composition with a teaching artist using our inquiry-based approach and talk directly to dancers and choreographers in-person about choreography or career paths.

Did you know this school year The Joyce Theater and Music From The Sole will offer sensory-friendly performances for students with disabilities and those on the autism spectrum? We love all opportunities offered to schools.

For all inquiries contact: DanceEducation@joyce.org.

View the Dance Education brochure to see which national and international companies are performing just for students. The Joyce is a NYC Department of Education vendor [JOY030000] and a registered vendor with Eastern Suffolk BOCES.

Components include:

• Residency planning sessions with an experienced teaching artist
• Exclusive access to live school-time matinees at The Joyce Theater
• Performances livestreamed directly into your classroom
• Professional Learning Workshops for teachers and administrators
• Resource and reference materials related to each performance

 

What teachers say...

"Teaming up with an experienced teaching artist allows the teacher to share ideas and execute the lesson more efficiently and thoroughly. Students are able to be helped one on one. Students gain different perspectives by hearing information from different teachers. All of the lessons are valuable."

- Jan Ford (Teacher, MS K228)

 

 

“Once again, I feel like Ms. Lisa brought the best out of my kids. The way that she prepares and shares her lessons allows me to build off of the ideas she presents. I love having her at my school!”

- DeAngelo Blanchard (Teacher, Bronxdale High School)

 

 

 

 

What teaching artists say...

"Some of the classes struggled with communicating non-verbally, but they were able to move their bodies through a story they created. They really understood the story of the performance. They asked some great questions, which stemmed a few great conversations."

- Cary McWilliam (Teaching Artist) 

 

 

 

"All three classes were so engaged and open during our time together. Almost all of the students had never heard of Flamenco Dance so it was quite amazing to hear them share their feelings about the live performance. They were able to connect all the nuances and how it made them feel which was incredibly sweet.”

- Lisa Green (Teaching Artist)

 

Funding Credits

The Joyce’s Dance Education & Family Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.  Special support provided by Con Edison.

The Joyce invites young audiences (ages 5 to 15) and their grown-ups to experience renowned companies together and to enjoy a special opportunity to meet the artists following the performances. Kids' tickets are only $10. All children must be accompanied by an adult! Check out our full Family Matinee schedule this season. 

 

Fall '23/Winter '24 Family Matinee Calendar

BalletX: Sat, Sept 30 at 2pm

Olivier Tarpaga Dance Project: Sat, Oct 7 at 2pm

COMPLEXIONS Contemporary Ballet: Sat, Nov 18 at 2pm

Bzzz: Sat, Dec 16 at 2pm

MOMIX: Sat Dec 23 at 2pm

Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE: Sat, Jan 20 at 2pm

Compagnie Hervé KOUBI: Sun, Jan 28 at 2pm

Music From The Sole: Sat, Feb 3 at 2pm

PHILADANCO!: Sat, Feb 10 at 2pm

Twyla Tharp Dance: Sat, Feb 17 at 2pm

Sankofa Danzafro: Sun, Mar 3 at 2pm

 

Additional Resources

In the meantime, see past editions of Miss Heather’s Kids’ Picks that are filled with musical choices by D.J. MizzMac, book and video recommendations, and links to cool websites just for the younger set and families.

• Back to School Kids’ Picks 
• Winter Recess Kids’ Picks 

NYC Dance Venues Coloring Pages

Can you name three places to see dance around New York City?  Now’s your chance to visit dance venues around town by downloading our NYC Dance Venues Coloring Pages.  Coloring is fun at any age. Learn facts about dance spaces found in each borough. Try to figure out how to get to the world famous Apollo Theater through Apollo’s Maze, and see how many dance words you can find in the dancing word search. The coloring pages are the result of a collaborative project created by Joyce student interns!

View Coloring Book

Interactive Dance Challenges

Lastly, are you ready to try our Dance Challenge with Brenna? Learn a little choreography to the BTS song “Moon”. Challenge your friends to do it with you. Once you’ve got it, share it with us and we might share it on our Instagram page! 

• Watch Brenna's BTS Dance Challenge
• Watch Brenna's Dance Challenge Tutorial

Funding Credits

The Joyce’s Dance Education & Family Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; and made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

Lead support for The Joyce's Dance Education Program Live-Streaming Pilot Project has been provided by GKV Charitable Foundation. Key support for The Joyce’s Dance Education Program for Schools has been provided by Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and In Motion. 

Special program support has been provided by Con Edison and SLA Foundation.