Kayti Bouljon & Jennifer McLain

Kayti Bouljon oversees the Discover Dance program, one of two programs offered by the Pacific Northwest Ballet to bring the performing arts to at-risk youth.  When Kayti first arrived at PNB, she was an intern working with Discover Dance and Dance Chance and eventually became the Community Education Programs Manager.   Kayti partners with other art organizations around King County including Arts Impact and Seattle Repertory Theater. 

Discover Dance, another program from the Pacific Northwest Ballet, brings standards-based dance education into schools.  The program is student-led meaning the students create chorography, costumes and stage set based on a subject they are learning in school.  At the end of the program, students visit the PNB studio and perform at McCaw Hall.  Next year the program will run in ten elementary schools in the Seattle Public Schools and the Bellevue School District. 

The students benefit from this program in multiple ways.  Many teachers do not have the time to incorporate the arts into the curriculum.  Discover Dance provides creative thinking skills for students as well as a creative outlet for students who do not have the opportunity to engage in the arts.  The students must work as a team to create their performance.  Finally, the students get the amazing experience of performing on stage for friends, family and community members who applaud their work.  It also benefits the community through building an understanding and awareness of ballet in young people. 

Jennifer McLain is the Director of Dance Chance, which also brings awareness to the performing arts to young people in a different way.  Early in the school year, Dance Chance holds auditions for 3^rd graders at elementary schools.  Students who show potential in ballet are invited to participate in the program that takes place at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School.  The students take a 10-week Introductory Session during the school day.  Selected students continue on to the Spring Session and then move up in 4^th grade.  Some students continue onto level 3 and join the regular after school programs with a full scholarship for ballet training including dancewear and shoes.  In 16 years of the program, three Dance Chance participants have become professional dancers. 

Both of these program try to bring performing arts to students of color and English language learners.  They also try to combat the stereotype that ballet is only for girls by encouraging young boys to participate.  In the 2008-2009 school year 44% of the Dance chance participants were boys, 66% were students of color and over 13 languages were represented. 

Both Jennifer and Kayti should be applauded for their hard work and dedication for bringing ballet into the Greater Seattle Area, especially to those who may not have access.