Project: Ballet & Books 

Project Leaders: Brooke McCarthy ([email protected]) and Isabelle Clayton ([email protected])

Community Partner: Princeton YMCA 

Project Description: 

Ballet & Books is a nationally recognized non-profit dedicated to increasing both literacy and access to dance among underprivileged youth. Working with our community partner, our group of trained Ballet & Books dancers and mentors go to schools once a week to teach a ballet class and work one-on-one with youth on their reading skills through movement-based storytelling methods. 

Frequency/Time Commitment Expected: Our program takes place over an 8-week period and occurs twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Each meeting typically lasts around 2 hours with a 45 minute dance class, 15 minute break, 45 minute instruction session, and some additional time for set-up and clean-up. In addition to the 8 sessions, new mentors are required to attend a 3.5 hour mentor training session hosted by the national team, and all members must attend a 30 minute child safety training hosted by Isabelle and Brooke at the beginning of the semester. Mentors who take on a leadership role within the organization might spend an additional 1-3 hours each week carrying out their respective responsibilities. 

Mode of communication: We use both GroupMe and email to communicate with our volunteers. 

Link to a google sign-up form: https://forms.gle/k43T6EGjnaYNb4ky7