American Youth Dance Theater offers a variety of classes for children of all ages, from toddlers through teens in a range of disciplines including pre-ballet, classical ballet, tap, Broadway jazz and hip hop. Our teaching philosophy incorporates creativity and stage performance to enhance strong technical development and an innate understanding of dance as a performing art. Class sizes are small to ensure individual attention and a strong student-teacher-parent relationship. AYDT’s highly motivational approach encourages each student to aspire towards his/her own personal goals in a manner that celebrates the individual and promotes self-esteem and positive body image.
American Youth Dance Theater created The Lucy Walsh Fund as an outreach program in memory of one of our students who died suddenly and tragically in June 2011. Lucy Walsh was a ballet student who began dancing at AYDT at the age of four and continued until her death at age 14. She had reached the stage in her training where she was a regular soloist in our recitals and a role model for many younger students. Through The Lucy Walsh Fund, we aim to honor Lucy’s commitment to dance by offering free or low-cost dance classes to children in financial need in order to afford them an opportunity to receive dance training that they might not otherwise be able to experience.
The Walsh Fund is the second of AYDT’s community-based programs. In 2008, director Natalia Alonzo-Brillante created a volunteer company, The Firebirds, as a vehicle for dance students to perform community service. The group performs at local hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, street fairs and community events. AYDT’s students dedicate a great deal of time to their dance education and this is an ideal opportunity for them to share their knowledge and joy of dance with others in the community, especially those who are ill or handicapped and would otherwise not be able to go to a performance.
Learn More: http://www.aydt.nyc