California Dance Institute

After-School Programs - Students from each school who exhibit particular enthusiasm and commitment are invited to attend the after-school SWAT (Super Wonderful Advanced Team) practices. SWAT dancers learn more advanced steps and choreography especially designed for their talent level. Advanced SWAT members may graduate to the after-school Celebration Teams. Advanced teams often perform in community events throughout the year.

In-school Program - The CDI program gives children a basic understanding of the fundamentals of movement, rhythm and music in structured, energetic dance classes with live musical accompaniment for 20-25 sessions in each school. Classes are taught during school hours, as part of the academic curriculum, ideally to all classes of one grade level (usually 4th grade). Each class is taught by a professional lead teacher, assistant teacher and musician, each of whom has been trained in National Dance Institutes methodology. CDI builds upon the school curriculum by collaborating with classroom teachers on skills-building, lesson topics and visual art projects. Schools also receive a staff development workshop for all their classroom teachers. Students perform in mid-point and culminating in-school performances for their friends, family and peers.