Date:                    June 14, 2017
 
California Dance Institute Awarded California Arts Council “Artists in Schools - Extension” Grant
State funds support after school and summer arts education programming for local Los Angeles-area students
 
Los Angeles, CA – The California Arts Council announced its plans to award $16,200 to California Dance Institute as part of its Artists in Schools - Extension program.
As an offshoot of the Council’s signature arts education grant program, one of the agency’s longest running, the new Artists in Schools - Extension program offering supports arts education programs for Pre-K-12 students that operate after school and during the summer, on school sites, in artistic venues, and in community settings. The intention of this program is to offer young people sequential, hands-on training in artistic disciplines, including dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts that align to National Core Arts, California Visual and Performing Arts, Common Core, and/or Expanded Learning Standards of education.
With support from the California Arts Council, California Dance Institute (CDI) will offer after-school instruction in dance and music in underserved public schools. The CDI in-school program gives children a basic understanding of movement, rhythm and music. A selected group of children may then continue dance instruction for 1.5 hours weekly on an advanced team and perform in a professionally staged Event of theYear production with 345 dancers, 12 musicians, backdrops and lighting.
 
“California Dance Institute is thrilled that the California Arts Council is supporting our after-school programs. The children benefit so much for this support.”
 
California Dance Institute is one of 136 grantees chosen for this highly competitive program, which received applications from 168 organizations statewide. The news of CDI’s  grant was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council, which can be viewed online at http://arts.ca.gov/news/pressreleases.php.
 
“We know the benefits of arts education—to improve test performance, reduce dropout rates and increase participation in higher learning,” said Donn K. Harris, California Arts Council Chair. “The after-school program offered by California Dance Institute, through Artists in Schools – Extension, allows students real-life arts immersion beyond the standard school day. Opportunities like this help support the growth and success of California’s students by fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration through the arts.”
 
To view a complete listing of all Artists in Schools - Extension grantees, visit http://arts.ca.gov/programs/files/CAC_AIS_Extension_Grantees_2016-17_FINAL.pdf.
 
# # #
 
California Dance Institute (CDI) is an in-school and after-school non-profit arts education program that teaches life and learning skills through dance and music. CDI’s mission is to motivate children to develop a personal standard of excellence by instilling confidence, discipline and focus through the rigor and joy of dance.

CDI’s athletic, high energy dance style, appeals to boys and girls alike. Our child-friendly choreography has been carefully tailored to allow all children, including those with special needs, to experience success. CDI programs are unique because they focus not on mastering a particular dance form, but on striving for excellence.
 
The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California's diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services.
Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Donn K. Harris, Vice Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Larry Baza, Phoebe Beasley, Christopher Coppola, Juan Devis, Kathleen Gallegos, Jaime Galli, Louise McGuinness, Steven Oliver, and Rosalind Wyman. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.