ARTS EDUCATION CURRICULUM 

"Early cultivation of the imagination and critical thinking skills initiate a life long quest for learning, curiosity and social and civic engagement. 
​​For at-risk youth, these skills are particularly beneficial."

Curriculum Resources & Training
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MISSION

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) empowers students through an arts-integrated curriculum that builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills by combining theatre, dance, and visual art. Emphasizing the creative process, we nurture self-expression, teamwork, discipline, constructive critique, and project completion—preparing students for successive grades, high school, and college.
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Differentiated for Pre-K–2 grade (creative process), 3–5 grades (fundamental techniques), and 6–8 grades (art-making and development), our teaching artists guide learning and reflection and culminate residencies with student performances and exhibitions.

All programming aligns with Common Core, Illinois State Standards, and National Standards.

​CDE is a certified Chicago Public Schools vendor.

PROGRAMS

Books Alive & Poetry Alive
Pre-K to 3rd Grade
​Teaching literacy and comprehension through dance and theatre. Includes CDE’s Spelling Dance Warm-Up and Songs & Stretch.

Dance and/or Yoga
Pre-K to 8th Grade
Creative movement, modern, jazz, hip-hop.

Theatre
Pre-K to 8th Grade
Improv and scripted games, plus Readers Theatre.

Visual Art
Pre-K to 8th Grade
Process-oriented, multimedia and art history. ​

After School Programming
Pre-K to 6th Grade
Homework help, creative play and dance, theatre or visual art classes.

Kids Project Summer Camp 
Ages 4.5-12
8 weeks of screen-free, arts-based fun. ​

IMPACT

2025-2026 IMPACT COMING SOON

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1650 W FOSTER AVE
​(773)486-8261
[email protected]