Community Dance Ensemble

For those of us living in Connecticut who appreciate the power of artistic expression combined with heartfelt community service, the Community Dance Ensemble (CDE) in Quaker Hill stands as an inspiring local initiative. As a resident concert company of The Dance Extension, CDE is not just about performing; it's about making a tangible difference in our local communities through the art of dance. This dedicated group of young dancers harnesses their passion and talent to uplift, entertain, and raise vital funds for numerous charitable causes across southeastern Connecticut. It’s a remarkable example of how the arts can serve as a powerful vehicle for good, providing unique opportunities for our youth to develop their dance skills while cultivating a profound sense of civic responsibility. For anyone in Connecticut looking for a local organization that truly embodies the spirit of giving back, the Community Dance Ensemble offers a heartwarming and impactful model.

The Community Dance Ensemble (CDE) operates primarily out of the studio location of The Dance Extension, situated at 8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA. This accessible address in the New London Shopping Center (Staples Plaza) makes it a convenient hub for young dancers from across southeastern Connecticut, including towns such as New London, Waterford, East Lyme, Montville, and Groton. The easy access from major routes, particularly being just minutes from I-95, ensures that students from various parts of the region can participate in this impactful ensemble without extensive travel burdens. The existence of a second New London studio at 290 South Frontage Rd (in the same building as Town Fair Tire) for The Dance Extension further enhances the overall accessibility for the broader Connecticut community, supporting CDE's outreach and rehearsal needs. This strategic positioning allows the ensemble to effectively serve and connect with a wide range of communities, bringing their message of dance and charity to those who need it most.

The Community Dance Ensemble (CDE), as a specialized group within The Dance Extension, focuses its "services" on performances and fundraising efforts, leveraging dance as a powerful tool for community betterment. While not offering a typical "class" schedule in the same way a dance school does, their activities revolve around:

• Community Performance Engagements: CDE performs for a variety of local organizations and venues, including nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and local charity benefits. These performances bring joy, entertainment, and a sense of connection to audiences who might not otherwise have access to live dance.
• Fundraising for Charitable Causes: A core mission of CDE is to raise money for various local and national charities. Past beneficiaries have included the American Red Cross, Toys for Tots, and the Gemma Moran United Way Food Bank. This directly impacts critical services within Connecticut.
• Developing Philanthropy Through Dance: For its members, CDE offers a unique service of instilling a strong sense of philanthropy and community service from a young age. Dancers learn the value of using their talents for the greater good.
• Enhanced Performance Opportunities: Members of CDE gain significant performance experience beyond typical studio recitals. They perform regularly in diverse settings, enhancing their stage presence, adaptability, and confidence.
• Showcasing Diverse Dance Styles: While part of a larger dance school, CDE performances often feature a variety of dance styles, demonstrating the versatility of its members and appealing to a broad audience.
• Representing The Dance Extension: CDE serves as an ambassador for The Dance Extension, showcasing the quality of training and the positive values instilled by the studio.
• Potential for Special Performances: The ensemble has previously performed at notable venues like Walt Disney World Resort and the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for its members to perform on larger stages and for specific causes.

It is important for interested individuals to understand that CDE is a specific ensemble that dancers typically audition for or are invited to join after demonstrating a certain level of skill and commitment within The Dance Extension's broader programs.

The Community Dance Ensemble (CDE) truly shines through its unique features and highlights, demonstrating how dance can be a powerful force for good in our Connecticut communities.

• Dance for Community Service: This is the paramount highlight. Unlike typical dance groups focused solely on competition or studio performances, CDE's primary mission is community service. Its members perform for and bring joy to often underserved populations in nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers across southeastern Connecticut. This directly impacts the well-being and spirits of local residents.
• Active Fundraising for Local Causes: CDE isn't just about entertainment; it actively engages in fundraising for vital local and national charities. Their history of supporting organizations like the American Red Cross, Toys for Tots, and the Gemma Moran United Way Food Bank demonstrates a concrete commitment to improving lives within our state. This teaches young dancers the practical impact of their efforts.
• Cultivating Young Philanthropists: Membership in CDE instills a strong sense of civic responsibility and philanthropy in its young dancers. They learn firsthand the value of using their talents and time to benefit others, fostering a lifelong commitment to giving back to the community.
• Enhanced Performance Experience: Performing in diverse venues and for varied audiences (from intimate settings in nursing homes to larger stages like Walt Disney World) provides CDE members with invaluable and varied performance experience that goes beyond a typical recital, building adaptability and resilience.
• Strong Sense of Teamwork and Purpose: Working together for a common, benevolent goal fosters strong bonds and a deep sense of purpose among the ensemble members. This cultivates teamwork, empathy, and mutual support.
• Positive Representation of Youth: CDE showcases the positive contributions young people can make to society, challenging stereotypes and inspiring other youth in Connecticut to get involved in community service.
• Affiliation with The Dance Extension: As a resident company of The Dance Extension, CDE benefits from the studio's established reputation, experienced faculty, and strong foundation in dance education (over 34 years). This ensures that CDE members receive quality training while participating in their service activities.
• Exposure to Diverse Audiences: Performing for various community groups exposes dancers to different audiences and situations, broadening their perspective and understanding of the impact their art can have.

For those in Connecticut interested in learning more about the Community Dance Ensemble, supporting their efforts, or inquiring about membership, here is their contact information:

• Address: 8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA (Main studio for The Dance Extension, where CDE operates)
• Phone: (860) 443-1154
• Website: While CDE may have dedicated pages, information is typically found on The Dance Extension's official website: www.danceextension.com (highly recommended for comprehensive details on their mission, performances, and how to support them).

In conclusion, for residents across Connecticut, especially in the southeastern region, the Community Dance Ensemble in Quaker Hill represents a truly inspiring fusion of artistic passion and profound community dedication. Operating from the accessible base of The Dance Extension, CDE offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for young dancers to use their talents for the greater good. What makes this ensemble so suitable for locals is its direct and tangible impact on our communities: bringing joy to those in need through performances at local care facilities and actively fundraising for critical charities like the American Red Cross and local food banks. This initiative not only hones dance skills but also instills a deep sense of empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility in its members, shaping them into compassionate leaders. For families in Connecticut seeking an extracurricular activity that provides exceptional dance experience alongside a powerful lesson in philanthropy, the Community Dance Ensemble stands as a shining example of how our local youth can truly make a difference through the universal language of dance.

Community Dance Ensemble

8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA