As one of the nation's longest standing dance companies, MADCO is focused on using dance as a tool to shed light on important topics. MADCO reaches 30,000 people each year with concert performances, education programs, touring, and community outreach events including special programs for people with disabilities. We believe dance is a powerful tool - not only to entertain but to educate and inspire. We exist to help audiences, students of all ages and abilities, and communities use dance to gain a better understanding of themselves and others, thereby stimulating personal growth, conversations, and enjoyment of the arts.
Your support will ensure that we have the funding to help bring this programming to our community:
Entertain
The Modern American Dance company is preparing for its 50th season, and has big plans! With your help, MADCO will have the opportunity to bring legendary and classical modern dance repertoire to the stage in the fall of 2025, celebrating 50 years of modern dance in St. Louis. Your donation will allow us to bring in professionals from the Martha Graham Company to set its iconic repertoire on MADCO dancers, as well as offer community classes and dance experiences.
Your contribution also allows MADCO dancers to be paid a living wage for their time in rehearsal and performance. Not only do we rely on your support to pay our dancers, but also to perform at the beautiful performances spaces of COCA Dance. MADCO has been fortunate to perform in innovative spaces around the city, including the Luminary and COCA's blackbox theatre. It is our goal to return to the Catherine B. Berges Theatre for TWO shows in our 50th season. Help us celebrate 50 years of MADCO, as well as our return to the big stage with your Give STL contribution!
Educate
Books in Motion is an enriching 10-day program aimed at inspiring a deep appreciation for the arts, fostering a love for reading, and providing hands-on experiences tailored to the unique needs of a school's 4th or 5th grade students. For the 2023-24 school year, we carefully chose "Honestly Elliott" as the featured book for Books in Motion. (Schneider Family Book Award). The heartwarming story revolves around Elliott, a sixth grader with ADHD, who discovers his passion for cooking while navigating various challenges in his family, friendships, and school life, ultimately finding his path to self-discovery.
The artistic components of the Books in Motion program encompass a range of elements that blend literature, dance, and creativity. These components are integrated to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for the participating students. The program integrates various elements, such as interpreting themes and motifs through movement, choreography, and dance performance, fostering creative expression and improvisation, promoting teamwork and collaboration, and culminating in live performances where students showcase their interpretations before their peers and the wider community. Your donation can help deliver an engaging experience that not only enriches the students' understanding of literature and dance but also nurtures their creativity, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
Collaborate
Dance Movement Series for People with MS
The Dance Movement Series for People with MS is an inclusive program tailored to individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS), aiming to provide a supportive environment for physical activity, community engagement, and creative expression. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants will meet once a week at the St. Louis Academy of Dance. The program offers modifications for dancers of all levels, accommodating both seated and standing positions to ensure accessibility. Led by experienced instructors specializing in adaptive dance including Katherine Kennedy (MADCO Education Director), sessions will incorporate guided movement exercises, improvisation, and choreographic exploration. The program prioritizes fostering connections among participants and aims to provide a space where individuals can explore their creative potential while building a supportive community. No prior dance experience is required, making it accessible to all individuals living with MS who seek opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and artistic expression. Your donation will support the implementation of the program, including instructor fees, venue rental, and materials needed for sessions.
Programming initiatives are awaiting budget approval. Your involvement can shape its success!