The arts should be within reach of everyone. IBT's Education and Outreach Program opens ballet to children, families, schools and the wider community, free of charge wherever it can be.
For 25 years IBT has nurtured creativity, discipline and joy through dance. Many families, schools and communities face barriers to experiencing the arts. The outreach programs exist to take those barriers down: to welcome families into the academy, to partner with schools and youth organizations, and to support dancers through leadership that extends beyond the stage.
Free, hands-on programs for schools, preschools, homeschools and youth organizations: studio field trips, dancers who come to your classroom, VIP performance experiences for nominated students, and a student version of The Nutcracker at Meydenbauer Theatre.
Programs for schools
Three times a year IBT opens its doors for Social Hour, a themed gathering led by a different program group. Open classes run on the second and last Saturday of each month, free and welcoming to dancers of every age.
Families and communityEvery program below is free to the school or organization. Email outreach@ibtbellevue.org to book one.
A VIP ballet experience for K–8 students from low-income and minority backgrounds: complimentary tickets, a backstage tour, a meet-and-greet with the dancers and a free trial class. Students are nominated by a teacher, principal or organization leader.
Nominate a studentField trips to the academy for preschool through 5th grade: a guided tour of the studios, a mini-lesson in the basics of ballet, and creative activities that connect movement and storytelling. Led entirely by Leaders On Pointe.
Request a field tripA 30 to 45 minute presentation that connects ballet to literature, music and theatre, for preschool through 12th grade. Visits usually happen two to three weeks before a production at Meydenbauer Theatre.
Book a visitA shortened, student-friendly Nutcracker at Meydenbauer Theatre with a question and answer session with artistic director Vera Altunina. Tickets are sold at a reduced price.
Reserve a groupLed by the Preparatory Program families and dancers, with a shared movement activity and time to connect. March 7, in honor of International Women's Day.
Social Hour SeriesFree, welcoming dance classes for all ages on the second and last Saturday of every month, starting February 28. Everyone is welcome.
Ask about a classA series of seminars is being curated for the rest of the academic year: sessions to learn, reflect and grow together as dancers, families and artists. Details to come.
RSVP for events, come to an open class, and bring a friend along to share the joy of dance.
RSVPPartner with IBT to bring your students to a performance, book a field trip, or schedule a school visit.
See the programsOutreach events are free because dancers, faculty and families give their time. Contributions of any size cover the costs of transportation, materials and staff. Specify that your gift is for the Outreach Program.
Support outreachEvery school visit, workshop and outreach performance is offered free of charge, made possible by students, families, supporters and community partners. Every contribution, large or small, brings dance to more children and families.
Gifts cover transportation, materials and staff time for school visits, field trips and community events. Note that your gift is for the Outreach Program.
Support outreachFree guides for teachers, homeschools and youth organizations, one per production. Each one opens in Google Drive.
A teacher's guide to the story, the score and the dances, for use before or after a performance.
Download the guideA guide to the IBT for Children production, with classroom activities that connect the ballet to the book.
Download the guideA guide to the story, the characters and the choreography, written for younger audiences.
Download the guide