PROGRAMS

Screen Shot 2023-07-11 at 1.50.24 PM.png

Screen Shot 2023-07-11 at 2.38.15 PM.png

Screen Shot 2023-07-11 at 2.42.27 PM.png

RockReach is composed of four programming facets, each designed to uplift, educate,
and celebrate our inspiring Philadelphia students and communities!

DISCOVERY | In-School Residencies

Thirty-two weeks of dance instruction integrated into an entire grade level’s classroom curriculum once a week for 45 minutes, customized to amplify each school’s unique culture, history, and mission. Professional dance and music teaching artists guide students through the program's dance and bucket drumming methodology, fostering meaningful peer interaction and supporting social-emotional growth. Live drummers in each class enhance the sensory experience.

RockReach Dance Teaching Artists work with all students, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities, visual impairment, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory sensitivity, ensuring the RockReach experience is accessible and inclusive.

The exciting culmination of the RockReach program is presented every May at The Rock School's in-studio theater. This final celebratory show features a performance showcasing all RockReach students, with special dance performances by The Rock School Professional Divdesigned to inspire ision students, for all RockReach student families and the school community.

INVESTIGATION | The Enchanted Nutcracker

The sensory-friendly Nutcracker field trip is an integral part of our community reach. The performance is built into our in-school residency curriculum. It includes free tickets and transportation for all residency students and classroom teachers to attend the Rock School’s holiday production of The Nutcracker, presented at the historic Miller Theater on the Ensemble Arts Campus. Tickets are awarded to more than 1,700 children in Philadelphia’s Title I public and charter schools, providing all with an introductory live ballet experience. Classroom teachers receive a Nutcracker study/activity guide and storybook to prepare students for the field trip. Ballet vocabulary, stage direction, and music history are included in the RockReach curriculum. RockReach also shares a video link to the performance with 800 Philadelphia students who experience the virtual performance in their respective classrooms.

ENGAGEMENT | After-School Program

Launched in September 2024, the RockReach Engagement Program is a no-cost program designed to nurture the bodies, minds, and spirits of 20 second-grade students from two South Philadelphia RR partner schools. Twice weekly, students are escorted to The Rock School, where their afternoons begin with a nutritious snack, followed by a beginner dance class, an arts-related activity, homework assistance, and conclude with a meal prepared by The Rock School’s chef. All students receive a dance uniform at no cost and perform alongside their peers at The Rock School in our annual May student showcase, presented at a professional theater.

IMMERSION | Scholarship Enrollment Program

Every May, engagement after-school students who wish to enroll in the full-time Rock School ballet division are offered a full-tuition scholarship and invited to perform in The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase.