HISTORY OF DANCE KIDS OF MONTEREY COUNTY

Dance Kids of  Monterey County, founded in 1993, is a non-profit group with the objective of bringing the art of the dance and theater experience to all youngsters in Monterey County. Under the direction of founder and Artistic Director, Carol Benton Richmond, Dance Kids now sponsors a summer theater arts camp, an annual performance of The Nutcracker at Carmel's Sunset Cultural Center and a spring musical revue, plus varied outreach programs. Performances are given in various schools, retirements communities, among other county locations to better expand the goal of reaching all children. New programs designed for our multi-cultural communities are being developed.

Each event brings between 50 and 90 youngsters, ages 5 to 20, into the world of drama, musical comedy, ballet, contemporary dance and backstage production. This experience gives each child a creative thinking opportunity that will only enhance future endeavors. Thousands more are able to experience the programs as members of the audience.

In addition, Dance Kids, through its fund-raising efforts, offers tuition and dancewear funding for students who might not otherwise be able to afford classes or be part of the various productions. Free tickets are available to groups dealing with at-risk children, senior citizens and physically challenged adults.

Dance Kids of Monterey County is also the home of the Carmel Repertory Ballet Company, a group of pre-professional dancers- ages 9 - 18 providing quality ballet performances for the community.

Guided by a voluntary board of directors and advisory committee, Dance Kids' Artistic Director, Carol Richmond, brings twenty-five years of experience to the organization.

Artistic Director, Carol Richmond
Best of Times Photography/Gregg Wutke

WHAT IS DANCE KIDS OF MONTEREY COUNTY?

Dance Kids of Monterey County is a not for profit youth performing arts organization designed to expand dance and theater experience to all young people in Monterey County.

WHAT IS DANCE KIDS' GOAL?

• TO IMPROVE our community life by fostering growth qualities in young people (through performance) including discipline, self-esteem, group problem solving, and the ability to carry tasks to completion.

• TO EXPOSE as many community members as possible to the beauty and wonder of dance and theater.

• TO TEACH the values which go into creating and performing works of art, and values that enable civilizations to thrive.

WHO BENEFITS FROM DANCE KIDS?
THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

• Children in need--- fund-raising efforts provide scholarships/financial aid for performing arts classes, production tuition and dancewear funding to children who would otherwise not be able to participate. 

• Community organizations--- free tickets to our productions are provided for inner-city groups, seniors, and physically challenged youngsters and adults. 

• Outlying communities--- classes and productions are being expanded to include performances in cities like Seaside, King City, and Pajaro.

• Schools and institutions--- productions are available for area hospitals, schools, nursing and convalescent homes. 

WHAT'S ON OUR WISH LIST?

• additional scholarship funding, costumes, lighting, sound systems, office equipment, more hands and ideas....

HOW CAN YOU HELP DANCE KIDS?

• with whatever gift you can afford.

JOIN FRIENDS OF DANCE KIDS OF MONTEREY COUNTY

Select a category that best fits your interest. Make out a check and send it to:

Dance Kids of Monterey County 321 Alvarado St., Suite I 
Monterey, CA 93940