The Community Engaged Movement Partnerships Touring Ensemble, comprised of dance students at Drexel University, offers free assembly programs to students across Philadelphia. Ensemble members perform for the students, lead a series of improvisational structures, facilitating a communal experience for the young movers, and close with a question and answer session. The Touring Ensemble models its curriculum after the South Street Dance Company's Young Audiences Ensemble created by Ellen Forman.

For Drexel Students

Drexel students interested in becoming a member of the touring ensemble must audition and interview for the group at the beginning of the academic year. Learning and developing the performance material occurs during the Fall term, and touring to the schools happens in the Winter and Spring terms on Friday mornings, making the Touring Ensemble a year-long commitment. It is a rewarding experience with 20-40 performances, and an opportunity to give many elementary and middle school students valuable exposure to dance and a meaningful exploration of movement, as well as allowing each ensemble member to discover and cultivate their own talents as a performers and educators. Students interested in getting involved in the Residency and Matinee Programs should contact Community Based Learning Program Director, Valerie Ifill, at vji24@drexel.edu

For Schools

The Community Engaged Movement Partnerships Touring Ensemble, comprised of 8-10 Drexel dance students, presents a 45-minute lecture/demonstration for elementary school children on the topic of "The Art of Dance and the Role of the Choreographer," which includes both performed choreography and audience participation. For more information please contact Community Based Learning Program Director, Valerie Ifill, at vji24@drexel.edu