Reach

Reach is Charlotte Ballet’s nationally recognized outreach dance scholarship program. Reach is a community outreach need based dance scholarship program which makes quality dance training accessible twice a week, September– April, to students who demonstrate a natural talent for movement and the potential to be trained in dance.

Reach is a three-year scholarship dance program that makes beginning level, quality dance training accessible to students who demonstrate a natural talent for movement and the potential to be trained in dance. The program affords children the opportunity to access quality dance training in their neighborhoods free of charge promoting self-esteem, discipline, a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the arts.

Open auditions are held each year and selection is determined based on natural abilities, the potential to be trained in dance, financial need and family commitment to the program. Students selected for the program attend classes two times each week at a designated Mecklenburg County recreation center. All first-year students receive their dance attire at no charge to their families. Students and their parents also receive tickets to attend select Charlotte Ballet performances.

Reach was launched in 2009 through a $78,000 grant from the Women’s Impact Fund. The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department partners with Charlotte Ballet to promote the program and provide sites for the classes at the Albemarle Road, Bette Rae Thomas, Ivory Baker, Naomi Drenan and Hickory Grove Recreation Centers.

In 2011, Reach won a program achievement award from the National Association of County Organizations.

Reach is funded solely through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. Donate Now

Reach Audition Information

Auditions for Charlotte Ballet’s Reach program are open to boys and girls ages 7-10. No previous dance experience required. Students with a passion for dance are encouraged to audition.

RSVP for the auditions in English here

RSVP for the auditions in Spanish here

or call Shannon Fraser, Community Engagement Administrator at 704.414.2774.

Click here for English Audition Packet

Click here for Spanish Audition Packet

Click here to view Audition flyer.

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019 | 5 PM

Location:  Ivory Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court, Charlotte, NC 28206

TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019 | 5 PM

Location: Naomi Drenan Recreation Center, 750 Beal Street, Charlotte, NC 28211

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2019 | 5 PM

Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 500 Bilmark Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28213

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2019 | 5 PM

Location: Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, 2921 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28208

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2019 | 5 PM

Location: Albemarle Road Recreation Center, 5027 Idlewild Rd N, Mint Hill, NC 28227

Please arrive 30 minutes before the start time on the day of the audition. Bring all supporting documentation to the audition.

Please contact Shannon Fraser, Community Engagement Administrator with any questions.

FAQs

What determines financial need?

Families that meet the qualifications for the North Carolina free and reduced lunch program also qualify for the Reach program scholarship.

What should students wear to the dance auditions?

Students who have not participated in the Reach program previously should wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement such as shorts, sweat pants and t-shirts (solid colors—no words); formal dance wear/shoes are not required. Returning students should audition in their Reach dance attire. Hair should be pulled back away from the face and neck.

What time should parents/guardians and students arrive at the audition?

Parents/guardians and students should arrive 30 minutes early to submit audition paperwork and register for the audition. Students who arrive with incomplete audition paperwork or more than 10 minutes late will not be permitted to audition and will be asked to attend an audition at another center later in the week. Only students are allowed in the audition. Parents/guardians will not be permitted to watch their children audition.

When do the dance classes meet?

Twice weekly, September-May

Do students have to audition each year they are in the program?

Yes, all students must audition each year. During the audition, progress from the previous year will be assessed. Returning students should wear their Reach attire to the audition.

For additional program information please contact Kimberly Pereira, education coordinator, at 704.372.0101 x2775.

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