education programs
STL Rhythm Collaborative has a growing music and dance education program, with instruction by our area’s most experienced educators. Our Dance and Music Education Program is our largest and includes the following opportunities:
Since 2021, STL Rhythm Collaborative has developed and presented free in-school dance education programs for grades K-12. The program is designed to provide performing arts education to elementary through high school aged students who may not otherwise have access to arts programs. Program activities include interactive classes which combine music theory and a variety of dance disciplines, including: tap, ballet, and jazz. Through rhythm, students learn about the performing arts, physical health, and how to express emotions in a healthy way.
STL Rhythm Collaborative hosts weekly dance and wellness classes for teens and adults, which cover beginner through advanced levels. Classes offered include Pilates, meditation, jazz dance and tap dance. Camps are presented during the summer months and are designed to suit children of all skill levels. Students participate in a variety of activities including classes in ballet, tap, and jazz dance, music theory, and music and dance history.
For the young artist aspiring to a professional career in the performing arts, the Collaborative presents an annual pre-professional training intensive. Students, accepted through an audition, work with our professional performance ensembles and special guest artists, studying technique, music theory, improvisation, and learn original choreography that they perform at the conclusion of the intensive. Throughout the season, STLRC Pre-Professional Students also receive the opportunity to perform throughout the area at community events.
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STL Rhythm Fest is an annual event that brings internationally renowned master instructors to St. Louis to lead a comprehensive program of residency activities. The event includes more than 20 workshops, a jam session, and a faculty panel discussion. Activities will focus on sharing the history & artistry of tap, with an emphasis of passing on the indigenous American art form of Rhythm Tap on to participants. In an effort to provide accessible arts education opportunities, we offer additional activities that are open to the public and free of charge. Those include our artist panel discussion and community jam session.
