From Houston, TX U.S.A. to Kigali Rwanda
US bridges the gap between urban life and dance-theater by embodying a global perspective through the creation of works that inspires an all-inclusive society. “My Soul is U.R.B.A.N. [Ultimately Responsible for Broadening Arts...NOW]” is US’ latest global outreach campaign to provide ongoing art access for all in Kigali, Rwanda. US aims to travel from Houston to Rwanda every annually to offer dance training and African-American Cultural studies to the people of Kigali in partnership with Ishyo Arts Centre, a local organization based in Kigali.
We could use your support to help us raise funds for this annual community-based arts endeavor.
Objective: The Community Dance Project is designed to provide local community members with opportunities to participate in a mutual performance experience with Urban Souls Dance Company. In an effort to break down the wall between the audience and the performers, USDC invites the community to join us on stage for an exciting performances.
Who can participate: This project is open to the public and anyone who has a desire to participate can do so. No dance experience is necessary! There are 2 levels of participation. The lower level (ages 7-14) and the upper level (ages 15 & up).
Community Development
Community development is at the forefront of Urban Soul’s mission and vision. We strongly believe that the arts have the potential to improve the quality of life of both children and adults.
We are extremely excited about our Urban Legacy Scholarship program which will help fund our newest community development project, Urb@n K!ds. Urb@n K!ds (ages 10-13) is a Community Development initiative that provides quality dance training and social development skills to youth living in the Greater Houston area. With a genuine interest in the overall development of all participants, the program uses creativity to promote individuality, character, wellness, and cultural awareness.
Through our Urban Legacy Scholarship program, we will provide the opportunity to experience dance education to Houston’s most vulnerable communities. We identify that these areas have limited access to the arts due to budget restrictions that often eliminate arts funding in the public school system. Our goal is to provide intense weekly dance instruction for 25 children who are chosen to participate in our program through an audition process. In addition to professional level dance training, we will work with each student to foster crucial social developmental skills through workshops, speakers, and projects. Academic support will also be one of the unique components of this program.
A dance education has many advantages for children, including:
With this pledge, 25 deserving children will be able to participate in our Urban Legacy Scholarship Program. Your generous donation will be used towards tuition costs, rehearsal space, an end of year performance, and the social development curriculum. All donations are tax deductible as Urban Souls is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
For more information please contact:
Walter Hull at Whull@urbansouls.org
