outreach
Reaching out to the community
Northern Plains Dance is proud to provide the Bismarck-Mandan community with numerous opportunities to learn about and experience dance. Our performances reach a growing number of audience members each year, reaching over 10,000 in the 2021-2022 Season. By continuing to build relationships with child advocacy organizations, care-givers, day care providers, and guidance counselors in public and private schools, we are able to identify and better serve students in the community who will benefit from exposure to the arts.
Our Programs
Through our various outreach programs, children and adults alike gain a greater understanding of ballet as an art form and experience of the joy of dance on multiple levels. We strive to continue our mission by reaching into the Bismarck-Mandan community and beyond.
NPD in the Classroom
Northern Plains Dance is proud to be one of North Dakota Council on the Arts’ Artists in Residence. Integration of dance with current educational curriculum can encourage students to take a more hands-on approach to study concepts, develop more creative problem-solving skills, and collaborate in groups.
On the Go!
On the Go! is a great way to introduce children to the art of dance and music during daycare hours. All of our programs are designed to promote balance, coordination, musicality, and confidence as well as physical fitness for boys and girls ages 3-5. It is our goal to bring dance to every child in a nurturing environment. We will work directly with your daycare to provide our comprehensive classes in the convenience of your facility. We pride ourselves on having professional instruction as well as age appropriate music and movements.
Aging Gracefully/ dance for parkinson's
This dance class allows participants to experience the joys and benefits of dance while creatively addressing concerns related to balance, cognition, motor skills, and physical confidence. Class integrates movement from modern, ballet, tap, folk and social dancing to engage participants’ minds and bodies, and create an enjoyable, social environment for artistic exploration.
ballet-in-a-box
At Northern Plains Dance, we appreciate every opportunity to bring dance to our community and areas surrounding us. Each year, we perform at a number of community events, including Kids Summer Stage, German Days, and Urban Harvest. In addition, we have created the Story Time Ballet series, presented throughout the year at the Bismarck Public Library.
Sensory Friendly Performances
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for families with children who may have sensory sensitivities. Northern Plains Dance is pleased to provide a comfortable and inviting environment to enjoy the May performance free of charge.
Student Matinees
Each year, Northern Plains Dance presents Student Matinees of The Nutcracker to Bismarck-Mandan and rural schools, sponsored by the Bismarck Public School Foundation. By attending, students interactively learn about the history of dance, why ballerinas wear tutus, the history and story of The Nutcracker, and proper theater etiquette.
NPD’s Community Engagement programming is generously supported by:
