“Alito and Emery did a wonderful job of teaching the children about disabilities. The program was well planned to include the children. I would highly recommend this program to any school. It helped children become more knowledgeable and comfortable with people who are ‘the same but different’.”

~Connie Hanson, Teacher

Mt. Vernon School, Oregon

“The performance was wonderful for many reasons. It was a profound and moving experience. It could be related to any subject matter.”

~Nanci McChesney-Henry

Teacher, Sheldon High School

Eugene, Oregon

“It is so important for young children to have the opportunity to meet differently abled people in a setting that encourages their questions and wonder.”

~Ali Nice, Principal

Harrison Elementary, Oregon

“We have many students who would otherwise not have the opportunity for attending an assembly of your caliber. All of our students expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for this event. Your visit generated a lot of great discussions throughout the school.”

~Sara Cramer, Principal

River Road Elementary, Oregon

Youth Outreach

Joint Forces Dance Company performs in schools for thousands of children each year, working with partners such as VSArts, Young Audiences in Portland and Lane Arts Council in Eugene. Extension curriculum is provided alongside the performances to create classroom dialogue, and educate children about the potential of people with and without disabilities.

Please click here to learn more about our featured Youth Outreach performances, Wizard of Odds and Wheel of Fortune »

Youth Outreach Teacher’s Guide

A Youth Outreach Teacher’s Guide is available for educators to prepare students in advance and there is a question and answer period after the performance to engage the students in a conversation about disabilities. The goal is to share information to support teachers and students in creating diverse communities that honors and includes people with all abilities. The materials in the Teacher’s Guide support teachers in integrating the performance into their curriculum, thus enriching and deepening the learning experience.

Download the Youth Outreach Teacher’s Guide ».

Youth Outreach Assembly Fee

The cost for an assembly is $400 for one performance, or $575 for two assembly performances in the same day. Joint Forces Dance Company is involved in raising money on an ongoing basis to support school assemblies through grants and private donations; if you need assistance, please let us know.

Dancers need the following arrangements:

• A gymnasium or cafeteria or large conference room with wood or linoleum flooring
• A room nearby for costume changes
• CD Player
• Chairs for children sitting in the rear of the room to assist with viewing

If you are interested in bringing a performance to your school, please contact us at Joint Forces Dance Company ».