Extensions Program: More Movement, More Connection

Taking the Next Step in Dance!

The Extensions Program provides opportunities for dancers to “extend” their dance vocabulary and technique. Classes and teams offer interested children an opportunity to grow and expand their dance and performance experiences with NHDI outside of the regular school day.

Focused on Growth and Performance

These specialized classes and teams are designed for experienced dancers or those seeking more dance time and performance opportunities.

SWAT Team (Spirited, Willing, and Talented)

Children participating in the Year-Long Program at their school are selected by invitation from the Artistic Staff to be members of the SWAT Team. It’s an exciting commitment for dancers who are ready to take their dancing further.

Who: Selected students from Year-Long Program Schools.
Commitment: Rehearse for three hours every Saturday morning from January through May. Includes additional dances in the Event of the Year, and sometimes represents NHDI as ambassadors at local performances.

eXceL Team

The eXceL Team is comprised of our high school-level students who have danced with us for several years.

Who: High school students who are former Year-Long Program or Camp participants.
Commitment: Meet for 75 minutes on Saturday mornings from January through May.
Leadership Track: Many eXceL dancers have continued their journey with us as Counselors or Counselors-in-Training (CITs) at our Camps.

Minions Team

The Minions Team is comprised of NHDI’s youngest dancers—a perfect introduction to stage performance!

Who: Invited students (typically grades two through four) who have participated in an NHDI Residency or Camp program.
Commitment: Meet for one hour on Saturday mornings from January through May.
Leadership Track: Extend their performance experience in the Event of the Year, getting comfortable performing on a big stage for an audience.

Celebration Team

The Celebration Team is for middle school dancers who currently attend schools that do not have an NHDI Year-Long Program.

Who: Invited students (typically grades five through eight) from previous NHDI programs (Year-Long, Residency, or Summer Camp).
Commitment: Meet for 75 minutes on Saturday mornings from January through May.
Performance: Performs in the Event of the Year.

The REACH Community Collaborative Team

This team is the heart of our adaptive outreach, offering a dedicated space for community members to connect through the joy of movement.

Who: Open to community members, pairing dancers with and without disabilities to create a unified team.
Commitment: The class meets Tuesday evenings from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM at Trinity Christian School.
The Big Stage: The team performs in our signature Event of the Year at the Redfern Arts Center over Memorial Day weekend—an empowering moment of shared achievement.