Making the joy of dance
accessible for all
For over 25 years, Minds In Motion (MIM) has been an integral part of Richmond Ballet’s mission, reaching over 2,000 elementary school students annually in the region and beyond. The program was built on Artistic Director Stoner Winslett’s vision to give back to the community through the memorable experience of movement and dance. With Minds In Motion, Richmond Ballet creates a bridge for students, starting in fourth grade, to gain a greater understanding of themselves through dance, classroom curriculum, community partnerships, and professional performances.
Minds In Motion is the only program of its kind in the Commonwealth. It is comprised of year-long programs, two-week residencies, and summer camps in Richmond, Chesterfield, Independent Schools, statewide in Charlottesville, Norfolk, and Portsmouth, and internationally in Israel each year. Our young dancers come together from all walks of life to jump, twist, shake, and stomp, and ultimately, share a transformative, meaningful arts experience together.
Team XL
As part of Minds In Motion, we offer a unique after-school scholarship class for selected students called Team XL. It is an opportunity for students from a variety of schools to dance and perform together. Students in Team XL learn dance technique, more challenging choreography, and an additional dance for the culminating performance in the spring.
Ambassadors
Through our audition-based Ambassador program, former Minds In Motion students are eligible to receive scholarships at the School of Richmond Ballet. This opportunity allows them to continue their dance training and perform as representatives of the Minds In Motion program at community events.
Connecting Minds In Motion to your Classroom
Minds In Motion offers all fourth or fifth graders at participating schools weekly dance classes with professional teaching artists and musicians. A portion of the year is spent teaching students basic dance curriculum, followed by choreography for the culminating performance. Students work toward the performance as a long-term goal, an experience that builds confidence, perseverance, and creativity. Each year, Minds In Motion alternates between a content- or story-based theme.
Minds In Motion Yearlong program made possible by:
With additional support from:
Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, Margarete and Siegfried Eckhaus Charitable Trust, Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc, The Hearst Foundation, Emily S. and Coleman A. Hunter Charitable Trust, The Memorial Foundation for Children, Portsmouth Museum & Fine Arts Commission and the City of Portsmouth, Rea Charitable Trust, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Trustee, Richmond Kiwanis Foundation, RiverFront Investment Group, LLC, Shelton Hardaway Short, Jr. Trust, Universal Leaf Foundation, Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C.
Minds In Motion Portsmouth made possible by:
Portsmouth Museum & Fine Arts Commission and the City of Portsmouth
Minds In Motion Israel made possible by:
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Inc.
Abby W. Moore
Many thanks to our Individual Supporters:
Bryan and Ashley Darby, Mrs. Maggie Georgiadis, Gretchen and John Hemmer-Beaumont, Patrick and Christin Kennedy, Twyla Kitts, B and Tina Millner, Kwadwo Owusu-Akyaw, MD, Ellie and Rick St. John, Holly and David Timberline, Mr. and Mrs. James E. Ukrop, Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Wagner, Mary and George Wickham
*list represents gifts of $500 and above
Support Minds In Motion
Your support allows us to provide a valuable opportunity for students. Please consider making an online donation to support our community engagement initiatives.
