The Estelle Dennis Peabody Dance Training Program for Boys

The Estelle Dennis/Peabody Dance Training Program for Boys is a scholarship program offered to boys in Baltimore who want to dance. The Peabody pays for their shoes, music, teachers, and classes from a fund that Estelle Dennis, a dance pioneer of the 1930s, set up to provide boys with the skills to move onto large ballet companies in New York. Historically the number of male dancers has been gradually declining and this program addresses two of the major issues that keep boys away from ballet.

The first is the idea that ballet is feminine, when it is actually pure strength, focus, and determination. The boys begin each class with stretches, laps, curl-ups, and push-ups in time to the music, creating an artistic and athletic environment.

The second, of course, is money. Because the program is able to provide for virtually all of the costs, they can draw from an ocean of raw talent-creating life changing opportunities for these boys from the Baltimore area.

This program is working to change the "girly" image of ballet by providing talented students with the teaching they need, creating amazing opportunities and futures that they may have not otherwise had.

For more information please visit:
http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/boysdance

Filmed, Directed, and Edited by Laura Hawes
August-September 2010

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Estelle Denis
• Peabody
• Dance
• Baltimore
• Art
• male dancers
• Ballet
• art
• dance
• boy dancers

[MyKingLolo]

This program is very good for male dancers. I like it a lot. - Logan