Arts Education
Our programs create welcoming spaces where every student can participate, contribute, and succeed.
School Residencies
Freespace Dance offers customized in-school and after-school residencies for students from early childhood through high school. Residencies may include:
● Creative movement classes
● Modern dance technique
● Inclusive dance education
● Curriculum-connected movement learning
● Choreography and composition
● Performance preparation
● Assembly demonstrations and workshops
Programs can be designed as single workshops, multi-week residencies, semester-long programs, or year-long partnerships.
OUR IMPACT
Dance as a Tool for Learning, Connection, and Inclusion
Dance as a Tool for Learning, Connection, and Inclusion
At Freespace Dance, we believe dance is more than performance—it is a powerful tool for education, self-expression, creativity, and community building. For over 20 years, Freespace Dance has provided high-quality arts education programs to schools, community organizations, and inclusive learning environments throughout New Jersey. Our teaching artists use movement to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and support students of all abilities in discovering their creative voices. Freespace Dance has been a proud partner of Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA for over 15 years, bringing high-quality dance education programs to schools and communities throughout New Jersey. Through this partnership, Freespace Dance has expanded access to meaningful arts experiences for students of all abilities. Freespace Dance has also partnered with Morris Arts to further support arts education initiatives, helping connect schools and community organizations with engaging and inclusive dance programming. We are committed to making dance accessible to everyone.
Inclusive Dance Programs
Inclusion is at the heart of our work. Freespace Dance has extensive experience serving students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. Our teaching artists adapt instruction using differentiated strategies, sensory supports, and movement modifications to ensure that every learner participates meaningfully. We proudly partner with public schools, special education programs, and community organizations to create arts experiences that honor each student’s strengths and abilities.
Our inclusive teaching practices support:
● Social-emotional learning
● Communication development
● Motor skill development
● Self-regulation and confidence
● Creative expression
Every body can dance.
Over the past two decades, Freespace Dance has
Served more than 10,000 students
Delivered inclusive programs for students of all abilities
Partnered with over 40 schools across New Jersey
Built long-term partnerships with educators and community organizations
Our work continues to grow as we expand opportunities for meaningful arts engagement.
Our Teaching Approach
Our teaching artists combine professional dance training with extensive educational experience.
We use evidence-based strategies, including: Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Differentiated instruction, Arts-based social-emotional learning, Collaborative and student-centered learning, Process-based creative exploration.
Each class is designed to meet students where they are while encouraging growth, exploration, and achievement.
Bring Freespace Dance to Your School or Organization
Bring Freespace Dance to Your School or Organization
Interested in bringing Freespace Dance to your school, community center, or organization?
We would be delighted to collaborate with you to design a program tailored to your community’s specific needs. Contact Us to learn more about residency options, workshops, and partnership opportunities.
Managing Director/Educational Outreach Coordinator Lisa Grimes - lisa@freespacedancecom
