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A Youth Powered Artistic Community.

DAP's young artist initiative is a program that connects dancers from all over the Chicago-land area.  Through projects, events and volunteer experiences we guide them in realizing the potential in themselves and their art form to make a difference.  From there, they are able to empower and inspire others to do the same, thus creating a life long ripple effect of positive social change and awareness.  DAP provides a supportive and positive space for our young artists to share this discovery with the world.  

This extraordinary group is made up of dancers ages 10-19 years of age with a passion for dance, collaborating with others, and developing their individual voice within our community.  They exhibit a drive to succeed both inside and outside of the studio.

PAST YAI

JOLIE ARMSTRONG - IRINA MAKKAI CLASSICAL BALLET AND DANCE SCHOOL

IMANI ARNETT - CHICAGO MULTI-CULTURAL DANCE CENTER & WY GUYS AND DOLLS

LUKIA ARTEMAKIS - BALLET CHICAGO & WY GUYS AND DOLLS

OLIVIA FINKS - DEFINITION DANCE ACADEMY

AMELIA GENTHE - SENN ARTS

CAMILLE JORDAN - THE JOFFREY ACADEMY OF DANCE

LILY MAY KENNEBREW - PERFORMING ARTS LIMITED

MAURA HAAS - DANCE & MUSIC ACADEMY

ISA SANCHEZ - EXTENSIONS DANCE COMPANY

MAGGIE SALTER - INDEPENDENT

GRACE SCULLION - FOSTER DANCE STUDIOS

ERIN SIEBERT - THE RUTH PAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

MEGAN SULLIVAN - DANCE & MUSIC ACADEMY

LUCIA WOLFE - DEFINITION DANCE ACADEMY

Each DAP young artist will build a "Triple AAA" project throughout the season, which begins by selecting a cause or initiative they are passionate about.  "Triple AAA" represents an Ambitious Altruistic Action, a concept developed by Dancers Awareness Project founder and artistic director Ashley Rockwood.  We encourage them to think big.  With mentoring from our program they are able to develop a strategy, identify resources in the community, build a team, and eventually make it happen.  The possibilities are endless. 

Program commitment is based upon the dancers availability and we work around each individual's schedule.  There are no requirements outside of the "Triple AAA" but pending availability dancers can opt into other outstanding opportunities and engagements including:

PERFORMANCES

professional photo & video shoots

classes & workshops

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

GOAL SETTING

Choreography & Teaching

MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION

and more...