Esquina Youth

La Juventud Program

This program is the realization of a long time dream of all of its founders, to share our passion for dance with kids. Our wish is that they will discover the joy of movement and creativity while experiencing the rich, diverse cultures and histories of the countries from where the dances originate. Our hope is that this will become a life-long, positive influence in their lives.

The Youth Dance Program at EsquinaTango uses Latin Social Dance-and its influences as the foundation of its program. Participants will learn specific dances, rhythms, footwork, carriage and frames of selected social dances. Students will then learn how to create and innovate within the structures of the selected social dance forms. A multicultural approach to the curriculum will emphasize community and individual expression while studying various dances. The curriculum is developed by a team of dance educators with extensive experience working with youth in diverse populations

Participants will enjoy opportunities to express themselves and develop peer interactions in a positive environment and the classes will culminate with a 'showing' for parents and invited guests. Students will learn through a fun, structured and rigorous curriculum taught by a faculty with strong dance backgrounds and many years of experience teaching children and youth.

Esquina Tango's youth social dance program is designed to inspire young people to dance, nurture artistic skills and abilities, and provide a fun multi-cultural experience that supports youth in their academic goals. We believe that the study of social dances invites young people to engage in the cultural, artistic and intellectual aspects of diversity, which helps continue important cultural traditions as well as teach tolerance and encourage excellence.

The Benefits

They include:

· improved social skills and confidence

· enriched health and mental well being

· dancing builds self-esteem

· promotes physical fitness.

· teaches respect for self and others

· models appropriate social interaction.

· helps develop creative and critical thinking skills.

Research has documented that youth that receive training in the arts are more likely to achieve academic success in school*

Monica Caivano A young and vibrant Latin woman who immigrated from Argentina with her parents to Austin, Monica started working in East Austin in 1999 for the Aztlan Dance Company as both a dancer and a prolific tango instructor. She has worked with youth at such places as the Dougherty Arts Center and the Zachary Scott Theater. At EsquinaTango, she has created a cultural place where dance, arts, and culture bring people together. She is excited to be adding the youth program in order to support arts education in the East Austin community.

Rachel Murray is a professional dancer, educator and choreographer. She is an impassioned tango dancer who has studied and performed numerous social and theatrical dance forms. Ms. Murray has created and taught dance curriculum in K-12 settings in many diverse locales, including Brooklyn, NY, Seattle, Wa. Honolulu, Hawaii and Edinburg, Scotland. She was Artistic Director of “Believe in Me" and is currently the Director of the dance program at Manor High School.

Jay Whitley is an avid tango dancer and an educator, with over 17 years of experience as a middle and high school teacher. He began his dance journey performing with a Filipino Folkloric Group for 5 years. Jay continues to study tango intensively as well as Salsa and Cuban Rueda. He is the sponsor/instructor of a middle school Salsa Rueda Club.