Kids Do Dance
Creative Dance Program for Kids | Ages 6-12 | Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Chilmark, MA
Each weeklong program will challenge the children through fun,
active dance classes that build skill and technique, and nurture the child's choreographic voice and individual artistic expression through composition studies and movement exploration
Developed by Deborah Damast, longtime islander, Yard artist, and Director of Dance Education at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education, this original program offers a dynamic, innovative approach to movement for young people led by dance educators.
At KDD, kids use stories, literature, imagination, lived experiences, the environment, and more as inspiration to choreograph their own dances. Incorporating physical movement, partner work, voice, and other creative expression, young dancers create a 45-minute show to share with parents, families, and friends on the final day of the program. And just like the professionals, KDD caps off the week with a youth artist Q&A and juice and cookie reception.
$400 per session per youth. Registration Required.
Some scholarships are available for year-round residents and Martha’s Vineyard guests. Contact The Yard at info@dancetheyard.org for scholarship information.
Kids Do Dance is funded in part by the Couch Family Foundation.
Our 2026 Program
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Session 1 : Jul 20 - 24
Dive into a magical week of dance where young performers (ages 6-12) will explore self-expression and collaborative dance-making. Campers will choreograph their own dances, blending movement and imagination. Every week offers mentorship by dancers/ teachers/choreographers from NYC and the Island. The week concludes with a special Friday performance, where the young artists will showcase their unique creations for family and friends.
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Session 2: Jul 27 - 31
Young dancers (ages 6-12) will explore the power of movement to tell stories. Campers will learn how dance can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, and how it can inspire action. They will develop their dance technique while creating original pieces that reflect their thoughts and ideas. The week concludes with a Friday performance where the dancers will showcase their work, sharing their original work with family and friends.
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Session 3: Aug 3 - 7
Young dancers (ages 6-12) will spend the week creating original dances inspired by Martha’s Vineyard. Campers will develop their dance technique while exploring the creative process of choreography. With the guidance of experienced dancers and teachers, they will collaborate to bring unique ideas to life through movement. The week culminates in a special Friday performance, where they will showcase their dances for family and friends.
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Session 4: Aug 10 - 14
Our final week of KDD offers young dancers (ages 6-12) an inspiring week of dance technique and original movement creation. Campers will explore the creative process of choreography and collaboration, setting work on each other just like the professionals. The week culminates in a special Friday performance, where the young artists will showcase their original dances for family and friends.
