TRaC

Teen Reviewers and Critics Initiative

The Dance TRaC program, co-produced by Dance Theater Workshop and High 5 Tickets for the Arts, exposes high school juniors and seniors to the full range of contemporary dance, while also helping them develop critical writing skills. Dance TRaC students attend eight dance performances over the course of the year (two at Dance Theater Workshop, six at other venues in New York City) and work with dance critic and New School Professor Brian McCormick to develop and workshop written reviews of the work they have seen. The program is supplemented by lectures with professional dance artists and critics focused on topics related to each semester’s performances.

The fall TRaC semester is for students at all levels. The spring semester offers an advanced curriculum for students who are interested in a more challenging experience. Participating students select three performances of their choice in addition to one performance pre-selected for the group to attend together. This advanced TRaC class gives students an opportunity to explore the realm of freelance arts writing. It also creates an environment that allows students to take more responsibility and ownership of their critique, while continuing to be mentored.