One of the primary goals of the company is to share professional dance with the people of the Bay Area, including those who cannot afford dance classes or the price of a ballet ticket. With the economy forcing school districts to cut arts programs, it is the responsibility of organizations like NBT to keep the Arts alive, especially for youth. Therefore, a Community Outreach Program is part of each NBT season. NBT’s Program predominantly focuses on children in public schools. With an informative demonstration and performance, the company exposes students to the beauty of classical, modern and cultural dance, which is something they may otherwise never see.
Art is an essential part of culture. It creatively mirrors humanity and documents life. One of the most entertaining and universal forms of art is dance. Often uplifting and poignant, dance has the capacity to express every aspect of the human experience. Luis Napoles, Artistic Director of NBT, truly values the cultural importance of dance. Originally from Cuba, Mr. Napoles has seen first hand that isolation and oppression have led the Cuban people to be more connected to their culture. Art is a tremendous part of the Cuban culture and dance is the heart and soul of it.
Luis Napoles has already played an active role in various educational and outreach programs reaching over 35,000 children each year in the greater Sacramento area. “He is particularly inspiring to youth from the Hispanic community, directing interactive Dance Power programs and teaching community workshops in Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Swing and Modern Dance,” says Ron Cunningham, Artistic Director of The Sacramento Ballet.
If you are interested in having NBT visit your local public school or non-profit after school program please contact NBT General Manager (and Outreach Program Coordinator) Annabelle Henry at: napolesballet@comcast.net
OUTREACH PROGRAM
Photograph by Scott Belding
