Dare to Dance Outreach Program: Folkloric Dance In East Austin

Video Interview with BE Directors (click here)

Rodolfo Méndez founded Ballet East Dance Company in 1978 to bring dance to the historically underserved East Side where he was reared. He envisioned a modern dance company that would

·         Aim for a high degree of artistry in modern dance with a strong base in ballet fundamentals,

·         Encourage the development of individual dancers, and

·         Champion original choreography.

Mr. Méndez also envisioned a dance company that would serve as a focal point for community pride and as an instrument for community development. In 1989, the Austin City Council asked Ballet East to work with the Austin Independent School District to develop a program for students at risk of dropping out of school. Dare to Dance concentrated on middle school, where the decision to drop out is often made, The program

·         Offers high-level instruction and opportunities to perform, and

·         Builds a network of support under each student.

Ballet East expanded its Dare to Dance after-school program with additional funding (Glimmer of Hope Foundation and Holly Neighborhood Assistance) to 60 students at Sánchez and Metz Elementary Schools (baile folklórico) and 60 students at Méndez Middle School, Dove Springs and Metz Recreational Centers (theater dance) and added hip-hop classes in addition to the long-standing folklórico classes at Martin Middle School. A total of 125 students are now enrolled in Dare to Dance programs in East Side schools.