First STEPS Program

Early Learning Through The Arts | Shane Bland: sbland@orlandoballet.org (321.346.5004)

First STEPS

Program Objective:

First STEPS provides ten weeks of arts-integrated lessons designed to assist regular classroom teachers with skills to incorporate creative movement into their instruction after the residency has finished.

Program Description:

Studies demonstrate that early exposure to the arts is a critical part of childhood development. Through First STEPS, Orlando Ballet teaching artists partner with regular classroom teachers to integrate creative movement into regular classroom instruction. This ten-week residency includes arts-integrated techniques that help students in other subject areas like literacy, language, and math. Participating teachers receive a set of dance-themed picture books to use in their classroom, and each class receives a visit from Orlando Ballet dancers as part of their participation.

Program Statistics:

Number of Students Reached Annually: Approximately 800

Number of Residencies Held Annually: 50

Number of Books Distributed Annually: 150

TESTIMONIALS

“The First STEPS Program has enriched my students’ ability to think outside of the classroom box and be on a stage. The students looked forward to Tuesday ballet class and love to show the dance instructor that they practiced with their siblings and parents. They especially loved the stretching and storytelling and learning new dance words and songs. I loved seeing my students try dance in a different way. “

“My students have truly loved participating in the First STEPS program! For many of them, this was their first exposure to the performing arts. My students get very excited for dance class each week! Through this program, students learn about dance and following directions, and they get to practice discipline and self-control, all while having fun moving and grooving! As teachers, we love the enthusiasm of your dance instructors when they come work with our kiddos!”

Thank You to our Sponsors

FIRST STEPS HAS BEEN HOSTED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Orange County Public Schools

Osceola County Public Schools

Meridian Christian Academy

The Roth Family Jewish Community Center

Early Learning Coalition

Contact:

If you have any questions about First STEPS, would like to host this program, or are interested in participating, please contact Shane Bland at sbland@orlandoballet.org or 321-346-5004.