Inspiring movement, nurturing creativity and confidence in middle schoolers through dance

Thanks to a partnership between District 191 Community Education and Youth Dance Ensemble (YDE) – a non-profit organization that provides dance training and performance – the Modern Dance Project offers barrier-free access to dance education for all learners.

Since its inception in 2015, the Modern Dance Project has provided free, after-school dance instruction to District 191 middle schoolers. Conducted by teaching artists from around the Twin Cities, the eight-week program teaches the fundamentals of modern dance, in its many forms, but also provides a space where students can nurture creative thinking, build confidence and foster a love of dance. 

The goal of the Modern Dance Project is to give youth an opportunity to receive instruction in modern dance and other dance styles. For many of the participants, it’s their first experience belonging to a dance group and receiving competition-quality dance instruction, but in a non-competitive environment. Students meet new friends, learn how to dance and find a sense of belonging. Programming culminates with a community concert, where students showcase what they’ve learned by performing on stage.

“Students can come here and be a part of an amazing organization, part of a group that’s very, very positive but also very demanding,” said YDE Founder and Artistic Director Leanne “Dixie” Rairamo. “We set high expectations so that students learn how to finish something that they started, and it’s through that hard work that they realize what they’re capable of.”  

Aileen, a seventh grader at Nicollet MIddle School, joined Modern Dance Project because she’s loved to dance since she was a young child and wanted to do something fun with her friends.

“My favorite part of Modern Dance is that we all get to express ourselves,” she said. 

It’s Aileen’s second year participating in the program, so she’s more excited than nervous about performing in the community concert.

“Something I’ve gained from this experience is not getting embarrassed about learning new things,” she added.  

Joanna, a sixth grader at Eagle Ridge Middle School, signed up for Modern Dance Project because she always wanted to learn how to dance and this was a perfect opportunity to learn new dance moves. Her favorite part of the experience has been getting ready for the show and putting on the outfits.  

“The Modern Dance Project has made me a little bit more confident now,” said Joanna.

Support for Youth Dance Ensemble

In addition to its partnership with District 191, YDE receives funding from a Minnesota State Arts Board operating grant, along with funding from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. This funding is crucial to the operation of Modern Dance Project programming.

YDE depends on these funds to support outreach programs such as the Modern Dance Project. YDE does not turn away a student due to financial hardship. Funding enables them to provide scholarships for any student needing one. It also ensures that students are able to continue their dance study at YDE when the Modern Dance Project is over.

“We’ve had marvelous support from District 191 and District 191 Community Education over all these years,” said Dixie. We’re also connected in the dance community, and we’re lucky to be able to bring in such outstanding artists to teach these kids. So, the partnerships are extensive, and through these relationships we’re able to provide such a supportive environment.”

In 2019, Bekah Gudim Berry, a Burnsville High School 2009 graduate, took over as Modern Dance Project’s program director. She is passionate about supporting students as they explore their love of dance. In addition to her leadership with the Modern Dance Project and YDE, Bekah is also the Burnsville High School Swing coach.

Under the tutelage of teaching artists Haley Jensen, Darrius Strong and Nancy Xiong, students receive expert instruction and technical training within a supportive environment.     

The Modern Dance Project Community Concerts

The Modern Dance Project held its Community Concerts at the Mraz Center for the Performing Arts at Burnsville High School on March 7-8. 

Other groups that performed at the concert included Ballare Teatro, Deuxmensions Dance Theatre & School, PIM Arts High School, Plymouth Youth Dance Program, Young Dance and Youth Dance Ensemble.

To learn more about Youth Dance Ensemble and the Modern Dance Project, visit https://www.ydeschool.com/.