ESDC believes all children must be exposed to and instilled with a love and respect for all the arts. They are our future audiences and budding artists who will pass their passion on to each younger generation. Our Arts in Education (AIE) programs are unique and effective learning tools to teach curriculum and to help students develop life skills. Participants display stronger academic performance, a healthier rapport with teachers and classmates, confidence, blossoming imaginations, enthusiasm for challenging projects, a sense of individuality and physical well-being, and tolerance and respect for others.

Conducted for K-12 and college students, our program goals are three-fold: create an appreciation for dance; create curricular connections through movement; act as a vehicle for students to develop life skills, social interaction, successful communication, trust, self-discipline, strong work ethic, cooperation, understanding of the team concept, and self-esteem.

Our programs have taken place 20+ school districts and dozens of libraries. Over 300 educators in a 12-county region have participated in our professional development programs. Our AIE residencies range from multi-year and multi-school to multi-day at one school. We offer vacation programs coordinated with other regional arts organizations. School districts familiar with our programs now have the capability to mentor other districts in the development of long-term AIE residencies. Our programming takes place in inner city, suburban and rural communities, thus enabling ESDC to reach populations that are diverse both ethnically and economically as we reach over 6,500 children throughout the Capital Region annually.