The Community Engaged Movement Partnerships Touring Ensemble, comprised of dance students at Drexel University, offers free assembly programs to elementary school students across Philadelphia. Ensemble members perform students, lead a series of improvisational structures, facilitate a communal experience for 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 elementary school students valuable exposure to meaningful movement exploration. Each ensemble member to discover and cultivate their own talents as a performers and educators. Students interested in getting involved should contact the CEMP 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 the CEMP Program Director, Valerie Ifill at vji24@drexel.edu.