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to twirl, leap and keep rhythm, they also learn a more valuable skill: How to lead a
safe, healthy life.
“The kids we work with come from families with little or no parental involvement. They
need to learn basic rules of behavior in public and how to control their impulses,” says
QUEST founder and executive director, Judy Atchinson. “Ballet is a fun way to teach
them just that.”
Atchinson, who has worked with dance companies for 25 years, says learning ballet
builds confidence and teaches children discipline and teamwork—and if QUEST
program results are any indication, she’s right. QUEST kids, many of whom participate
in the dance program, have significantly lower recidivism rates than other Hamilton
Hill youth and stay in school longer. In addition, 76% of them leave and stay
out of gangs.
safe, healthy life.
“The kids we work with come from families with little or no parental involvement. They
need to learn basic rules of behavior in public and how to control their impulses,” says
QUEST founder and executive director, Judy Atchinson. “Ballet is a fun way to teach
them just that.”
Atchinson, who has worked with dance companies for 25 years, says learning ballet
builds confidence and teaches children discipline and teamwork—and if QUEST
program results are any indication, she’s right. QUEST kids, many of whom participate
in the dance program, have significantly lower recidivism rates than other Hamilton
Hill youth and stay in school longer. In addition, 76% of them leave and stay
out of gangs.
QUEST Inc. 801 Stanley Street Schenectady, New York 12307 (518) 527-1784
QUEST Steps Dance Program
QUEST Teaches Dancing to Schenectady Kids, Free of Charge
QUEST Teaches Dancing to Schenectady Kids, Free of Charge
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Children taught to dance learn to bow out gracefully
from dangerous situations. That’s why twice a week
for the past three years, baggy jeans have been
traded for tights, Nikes have been swapped for
slippers and thechurch basement at 801 Stanley
Street has been transformed into a stage—all as part
of the QUEST Steps Dance Program.
from dangerous situations. That’s why twice a week
for the past three years, baggy jeans have been
traded for tights, Nikes have been swapped for
slippers and thechurch basement at 801 Stanley
Street has been transformed into a stage—all as part
of the QUEST Steps Dance Program.
The program is an initiative that teaches ballet to
children, free of charge. While kids involved do learn
children, free of charge. While kids involved do learn
In the past three years, QUEST dance students have given performances at the
Ronald McDonald House as well as a senior citizen assisted living program in Albany,
the Tang Museum at Skidmore College and at a local television access studio. The
dancers have received rave reviews and many have even stepped up to become
“Dance Captains” and serve as peer leaders. The captains help teach classes to
younger students and serve as role models for children just learning to dance.
“Our kids work hard, have fun and are proud of what they’ve accomplished,” explains
Atchinson. “Choreographer Lincoln Kirsten said ‘Ballet is about learning how
to behave.’ But our program teaches kids more than that. Our kids learn they can
accomplish things they never thought possible. And that gives them the confidence to
want to behave, even when others around them are not.”
For more information on the QUEST Steps Dance Program, or to schedule a
performance, e-mail Judy Atchinson at Judy@questkids.net or call (518) 527-1784.
Ronald McDonald House as well as a senior citizen assisted living program in Albany,
the Tang Museum at Skidmore College and at a local television access studio. The
dancers have received rave reviews and many have even stepped up to become
“Dance Captains” and serve as peer leaders. The captains help teach classes to
younger students and serve as role models for children just learning to dance.
“Our kids work hard, have fun and are proud of what they’ve accomplished,” explains
Atchinson. “Choreographer Lincoln Kirsten said ‘Ballet is about learning how
to behave.’ But our program teaches kids more than that. Our kids learn they can
accomplish things they never thought possible. And that gives them the confidence to
want to behave, even when others around them are not.”
For more information on the QUEST Steps Dance Program, or to schedule a
performance, e-mail Judy Atchinson at Judy@questkids.net or call (518) 527-1784.
Taking Center Stage
