DIW creates opportunities and develops strong partnerships with like-minded community organizations, performing arts venues and schools. The Artists-in-Residence and Outreach Programs exemplify DIW’s commitment to the growth and vitality of Washington, DC and its residents.

Artists-in-Residence

Artists-in-Residence are dance organizations, companies or instructors who teach specialized dance forms within DIW programs. DIW invites artists to teach classes in dance forms that augment DIW’s curriculum. Residencies provide greater visibility and stability to artists and promote the sustainability of the DC dance community. Selected artists are masters in their idiom and offer the highest quality instruction and education to students in the Pre-professional and Community Programs. Our current Artist-in-Residence is Maru Montero Dance Company.

Outreach Partners

DIW has a longstanding history of partnerships with K-12 public, private and charter schools and senior centers in the metro DC area. Our Outreach Programs provide free dance education, life skills, nutrition/fitness instruction and performance opportunities to DC students and residents. Recent partners include: Bell Multicultural High School; Ferebee Hope Elementary School; Holy Redeemer; WVSA SAIL; the United Planning Organization (UPO); Victory Heights Senior Apartments; and Somerset Development Company, who manages four Columbia Heights area affordable housing communities.

In conjunction, with the Department of Employment Services’ Youth Services Division, DIW offers District youth summer employment and training in dance production and management. Participants in the D.O.E.S. Summer Youth Employment Program are mentored by DIW staff and faculty while they earn a wage. This partnership with D.O.E.S. focuses on building behaviors that allow young people to take responsibility for their lives, contribute to society, connect with peers, and build self-respect and hope for the future.