Dance has always been a creative and athletic outlet for me. As a shy child growing up I found that dance gave me a sense of structure, self-discipline, personal growth and confidence. I realized that dance had molded me into a confident and grounded artist who had a talent to teach and perform. Although dance has presented many challenges along the way, nothing else has ever proven to have been so worth the sacrifice. I founded HOP for dance because I had a vision to create a program that would offer the same structure, personal growth and confidence to children who are unable have the same opportunity. – Bethany Marc-Aurele
What is HOP? – Hudson Dance & Movement, a Hoboken based dance school is proud to announce the creation of the Hudson Outreach Program, HOP for Dance. As Hudson Dance & Movement stands for excellence in dance education, we are confident HOP for DANCE will engage, educate, and inspire all of its participants. Hudson Dance & Movement developed Hop for Dance because we are committed to providing access to dance education to those who may otherwise not have the means or ability to join a typical dance program.
Mission Statement – HOP for DANCE is a community outreach program designed to increase exposure and appreciation of dance, and to provide unparalleled dance experiences to underprivileged schools.
Goals – A major goal of HOP for Dance is for Hudson Dance & Movement to offer scholarships to those underprivileged children whom demonstrate natural talent and the drive to work hard.
How Does HOP Work? – Hop for Dance travels to schools, community centers, and various organizations to teach formal dance classes for interested participants. The art of dance is introduced and demonstrated by offering active participation and the observation of professionally choreographed showcases. HOP for DANCE events are lead by Hudson Dance & Movement instructors. An instructor will teach a series of classes in their specialized genre of dance. All students will participate in the Hop for Dance series of classes. One time, during the series, HRC will perform a brief concert of pieces choreographed by HDM instructors. After the HRC performance, a moderated question and answer period will be held between the HDM instructors, HRC dancers, and the Hop for Dance participants. This open discussion guides Hop for Dance participants to draw personal connections between their daily lives to the art of dance. Hop for Dance will inspire its students to develop a life-long appreciation for the art of dance.
Where is HOP Now? – HOP for Dance is currently working with the 4th grade class at the Connors School in Hoboken, NJ. The students are working through a 10 week Ballroom program led by Hudson Dance & Movement Ballroom instructor, Xavier Auza.