In collaboration with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy
DETROIT, Mich. (June, 2019) – This summer, young artists are invited to gain unbeatable hands-on experience with The Carr Center Arts Academy’s three phenomenal arts intensives in Music, Dance and Musical Theater. All three of these diverse arts intensives will be held at the Detroit School of Arts (123 Selden Street, Detroit, MI 48201).
The Music Intensive is an exceptional chance for developing musicians to learn from professionals. This year, that includes Carr Center Resident Artist and internationally renowned bassist, Rodney Whitaker, and 2017 “Motown Mic” Spoken Word Artist of the Year, Will the Poet, as well as members of the Carr Center’s music and residency program, the Gathering Orchestra. Students will learn about everything from music history and theory to writing lyrics and creating beats, leading up to a live showcase at the end of the program.
“We wanted to broaden the experience for all participants this year, so we are moving in a way that includes more contemporary and creative forms,” said Ragsdale. “While students will specialize in instrumental or spoken word, all will gain some exposure to all forms, and, eventually, all will perform together.”
Another new intensive being offered this summer is focused on Musical Theater. This intensive is for one week only but students can also opt into a week of dance classes to supplement their learning. The Musical Theater Intensive is the newest collaboration between The Carr Center and the legendary Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). Young performers who are accepted into the Musical Theater Intensive will have the opportunity to learn from Master Teachers. Students will cover voice, acting, performance dance, history and improvisation. The final showcase at the intensive conclusion will feature students performing an excerpt from a well-known production
Returning this summer to The Carr Center is the Dance Intensive, which has already sold out following auditions in March. Young dancers who were accepted into the intensive will cover ballet, modern, hip-hop, tap and African dance, culminating in a public showcase of the students’ work.
“This is our second year of working with Debbie Allen and we could not be happier that she chose to return to Detroit and expand her engagement,” said Ragsdale.
“Ms. Allen has enthusiastically embraced our vision for the organization and the young people we seek to serve and expose to the world of the arts.”
For inquiries, please contact Sarah Norat-Phillips at
248-979-6345 or sarah@thecarrcenter.org
About DADA
The Debbie Allen Dance Academy is a non-profit providing a comprehensive dance curriculum for dancers 4+. DADA’s dance program is offered to students of all skill levels, with the aim of “expanding the reach of dance and theater arts with the hope of enriching, inspiring and transforming the lives of its students.” For more information visit debbieallendanceacademy.com