AT A GLANCE
Founded by Nicole Kawell in 2008
Models National Dance Institute in NYC founded by Jacques d’Amboise in 1976
CDI has served over 5000 children to date
CDI's unique pedagogy appeals to visual, auditory, and kinethetic learners
Our classes harness a written curriculum that both fosters and emphasizes social-emotional development, and aligns with the Illinois Learning Standards for Fine Arts
CDI has partnered with 8 schools to date, including public, private, and charter schools: St. Mary of the Angels, Burr Elementary School, Harold Washington Elementary School, Randolph Elementary School, St. Margaret of Scotland Elementary School, Christopher House, Ryan Banks Academy, and Trinity.
All CDI programs are provided at no cost to children
All classes feature a Lead Teacher, Assistant Teacher, & Live Musician
All classes take place during the school day as part of the curriculum serving the entire student body in grades 3-5
The median household income of students served is $36,868 (as of 2014)
96% of CDI students qualify for free/reduced lunch
The movement taught is pedestrian and aerobic, not technique based, with the intention that every child can do it and feel successful
CDI works with every child in a grade, including those that are differently abled and English Language Learners
In the summer of 2015, CDI launched an international program in Haiti in partnership with Worldwide Orphans Foundation training local staff and volunteers while serving over 100 orphaned children through our programming