News
CDI Testimonials
We’ve recently been receiving a lot of wonderful feedback about CDI. Please read on to hear what program participants have to say.
It was quite touching to see the enthusiasm and happiness CDI created in my daughter, Ana; you could see the joy not only in her eyes, but her whole body, as she performed with her classmates on stage. CDI brought something special to Ana, her classmates, and the entire school. After the program, I heard some of the school faculty gushing over the confidence and self-esteem the program instilled in the students at the school, and as a parent, I couldn’t agree more.
- Rick Hantke, Parent
My students at St. Mary of the Angels participated in Chicago Dance Institute back in November of 2009 and I cannot say enough about this fantastic fine arts program! The CDI instructors were consummate professionals with impeccable work ethic, endless patience, and high expectations for the students. As a result, even the shyest students gained a real sense of accomplishment because CDI inspired every participant, regardless of academic or athletic ability, to shine.
- Carla McCartney, 4th and 5th homeroom teacher, Saint Mary of the Angels School
As a mental health professional working with school-aged children, I have always been aware of the importance of fine arts education in a child's development. But it was not until recently when I witnessed a final performance of CDI's first two week residency that I was convinced of the powerful impact this specific program has on each child's sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy.
- Lauren Farina-Prieto, LCSW
Chicago Dance Institute provided my students with an opportunity to reach outside of themselves, to express themselves in ways that they never have before. It was amazing to see the shy students, the students still growing into their bodies, emerge onstage as these new, confident individuals with bright eyes and brimming smiles. I will never forget the moment of utter pride and happiness that I had for my students at that final performance where they really showed what they were made of, and came through so beautifully at the program.
-Jennifer Adam, 5th and 6th homeroom teacher, Saint Mary of the Angels School
I would like to begin by saying that I was not involved in bringing CDI to our school. A residency program was foreign to me and I was, admittedly, uninterested at the start. I cannot explain how drastically my opinion and interest in the CDI program has changed. After witnessing, first-hand, the impact of this program, I would do anything to bring CDI back every single year and I encourage every teacher, parent, student, and administrator I meet to do the same at their school. Kids who before were a bit shy, nervous or some “too cool” to do a dance, were dancing their hearts out up on stage and this almost made my heart burst, I was so proud and happy. Even now, writing a testimonial, I can’t help but smile just thinking of my CDI memories!
- Elise Bartzen, Director of Development, St. Mary of the Angels School
There are so many facets to dance - athleticism, musicality, emotional expression, discipline, creativity, team work, striving to improve. The CDI program incorporates all these aspects in a way that is enjoyable and attainable for the children. It challenges them without intimidating them and in the process, they learn a lot about themselves and what they can accomplish. You can see their individual personalities start to blossom and their self-confidence grow as they progress in class.
- Amy McDowell, CDI Volunteer
