We think of our work in the community as an “even exchange.” Our partners and EEDT learn from each other.

Even Exchange values community partnerships with diverse non-traditional dancers because the breadth of experiences adds a richness and authenticity to our shared artistic work. The results of these projects have produced art that is broad reaching, universal, and accessible. It crosses racial and cultural lines.

Our partners also benefit from EEDT’s unique, educational, and fun approach to community programs. Company members, skilled at facilitating diverse groups, seamlessly lead participants from dialogue and storytelling to movement and choreography and back again. Along the way, participants develop self-esteem and creativity as well as collaborating, self-expression, and healthful movement skills. Regardless of the group, participants leave the program energized and surprised by what they were able to accomplish.

Even Exchange Dance Theater seeks out collaboration with unexpected partners. Ongoing partnerships have been developed with:

PRESCHOOL STUDENTS: “Moving Together” with Growing Together Preschool

SENIORS: The YWCA’s Golden Oaks Program

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Enloe High School

Past Partners Include:

These groups give input, experiment with ideas, choreograph, and perform with Even Exchange in a variety of settings and events.

Moving Together

Growing Together Preschool is a non-profit preschool for children of Raleigh Walnut Terrace who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend preschool. Dance is used to teach and enhance classroom skills, pre-reading and pre-math concepts as well as basic behavior concepts such as sharing, taking turns, waiting, being respectful, and being kind. An Even Exchange instructor teaches dance classes for Growing Together Preschool from September through May at our home space, Arts Together in Raleigh. At the end of the school year, the preschoolers perform for friends and family in Arts Fest, Arts Together’s informal performance.

Dance and Story Residencies
The YWCA’s Golden Oaks program provides support and resources to older adults and encourages them continue to live independently for as long as possible. The program has approximately 140 participants between the ages of 55 and 99.

Even Exchange uses its collaborative, creative method to engage the seniors in storytelling through words and movement. Activities include a movement warm up as well as exercises that encourage seniors to share about their lives. We build duets and group choreography. Each year EEDT leads two five-week residencies.

Enloe High School students create choreography with EEDT members and perform in our concerts.  The students also participate in the Golden Oaks program.  By doing so, they learn skills for community dance making and bring a youthful perspective to the work with the seniors.

For information about partnering with EEDT or bringing EEDT programs to your organization or company, e-mail us at eedt@bellsouth.net