Advanced programs
Once they complete their introductory In-School Program, children who demonstrate extraordinary commitment and readiness are invited to join the Advanced Teams. Through full scholarships, dancers participate in ongoing, weekly advanced classes. Approximately 100 children participate yearly.
SWAT Team
The first bridge beyond KDO introductory programs, the SWAT Team (Students Winning Attitudes Team), brings together, as a collective, children from across KDO partner schools once a week to further their journey with the KDO experience. Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria: commitment, willingness to try, focus and dedication, and teamwork and consistency.
X Team
Dancers who have been part of the SWAT Team for at least two years and demonstrate extraordinary commitment and readiness to further their studies with KDO are invited, through continued scholarships, to join the KDO X-Team (Extension Team). As the most advanced dancers, the X-Team is KDO’s most active performing ensemble — from public and civic events where they represent KDO to larger audience venues. Past performances by the X-Team include SPOTLIGHT at Clowes Memorial Hall, the inaugural Indy Dance Council Festival, Whole Child Summit hosted by Indiana University, Indianapolis City Ballet Gala, Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration, Arts Council of Indianapolis’ Start With Art, Arts Education Partnership Conference, and Juneteenth Celebration at the Eiteljorg Museum.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
The Kids Dance Outreach Event of the Year is the culmination of the year-long learning that has taken place across all of KDO’s programs. Beyond the impact on children and their families, the Event of the Year serves as KDO’s biggest fundraiser of the year — it draws a diverse audience, including civic leaders, philanthropists, foundation leaders, families, and other constituencies.