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Keshet Dance Company is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to "inspire passion and open unlimited possibilities through the experience of dance by uniting professional dancers with the community." Founded in 1996 by Shira Greenberg, a Minneapolis trained dancer, Keshet operates under the philosophy that no individual should be denied access to the art of dance due to financial, situational and/or physical barriers. Keshet, which is Hebrew for "rainbow," works with members from all sectors of the community, ranging from at risk youth who take classes on a scholarship basis to the physically disabled who dance from their wheelchairs. A unique characteristic of Keshet Dance Company that separates it from any other program offered in Albuquerque is its unparalleled ability to blend these populations in a fashion that creates positive relationships for all. Professional dancers from throughout the United States are an indispensable part of programming, affording even the youngest and least experienced constituents of this community opportunity to work with advanced dancers of high caliber. These repertory company members are more than a group of professionally trained dancers; they are also chosen as mentors and friends for the youth and community dancers they teach and serve. They are clearly capable of teaching dance technique, but more importantly, they are positive role models providing friendship and support.
The dynamic history of Keshet includes humble beginnings offering free dance classes to at risk youth from low-income families and to youth with physical disabilities. Children who had been deprived of the art of dance for various reasons - either because they could not afford high tuition rates or because of stereotypes about the appropriate body required for a "dancer" - began discovering a whole new world of opportunity. Children from throughout the city�s low-income housing came to a cramped 800 square foot studio behind the old Albuquerque High School to participate in the free dance classes. Soon Keshet instructors began facilitating outreach events for those who could not come to the studio by traveling to other facilities, including youth detention centers and intervention programs, hospitals, crisis shelters, schools and community centers. Excitement about KDC�s programming brought incredible growth spurts and more serious strategic planning.
Keshet�s present programs include a dance school providing twenty-five to thirty classes per week for an average of 300 students with sixty to seventy percent of our youth receiving scholarships. The current schedule includes classes specifically geared to youth with mixed physical abilities as well as classes for adults and children in Creative Movement, Modern Dance Technique, Ballet Technique, Hip-Hop/Jazz and Performance Skills. Only a few years old, Keshet�s Pre-Professional Program offers dance training to youth considering dance as a career or who are interested in more intensive technical training.
Additionally, KDC�s Outreach Programs bring dance to those unable to come to the studio. Currently Keshet facilitators are working with low-income and homeless youth, after school programs, and the Youth Diagnostic and Development Center.
