INDIGENOUS PITCH DANCE COLLECTIVE INC

Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective, Inc. is a collective of ethnically diverse Philadelphia-based dance companies whose goal is to create and perform works of artistic excellence that reflect and highlight the diversity of our city and its native, homegrown dance styles. We support emerging choreographers by providing rehearsal space, critical feedback and performance opportunities in which to explore and develop their artistic styles. Through the art of dance, we assist and nurture children affected by natural and/or socio-economic disasters. We fulfill this mission with performances, residencies and workshops throughout the United States and abroad.

Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective addresses both the community and the arts in mission and programs. IPDC gives vulnerable children in neglected areas a rich education in dance, visual and literary arts. IPDC heals traumatized children through an inter-disciplinary approach. They feel genuine love and concern for their well-beings. They discover important skills that will serve them in the future. Children learn discipline, respect, self-confidence, communication, creative thinking and teamwork in a fun, artistic atmosphere.
The greatest success of Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective has been providing hope and consistency to children who have been deeply damaged. IPDC programs use art as therapy, giving under-served children an opportunity to express thoughts and feelings that may otherwise go unexplored. At the first camp in New Orleans in 2007, Tiffany, age 8, said, “Sometimes I just need to play to get some stuff off my mind.” IPDC arts camps provide a safe place for her and others to play, create, and share their personal stories. While working with IPDC, students learn that their artistic voices deserve to be heard. Through this unique creative exchange they gain self-confidence, a major accomplishment given their adverse living situations.
Another accomplishment is the developing of children into respectful, cooperative, imaginative learners eager to contribute to their communities. Campers are encouraged to work together as a team to resolve artistic or relational problems that might hinder the experience of performing. The shared purpose of giving back to their damaged community through an original live performance inevitably brings out the best in the participants. The overwhelming response from family members in attendance is extreme gratitude. One teary-eyed mother said, “Thank you so much for coming to teach my daughter. All of our neighbors are gone and she doesn’t have anywhere safe to play.” Even anonymous cyberspace friends laud the “selfless giving of time and energy”. IPDC arts camps unite the community in support of their children.
Building on the success of their camp presentations, the young performers return to school determined to embrace all aspects of learning. Teachers report improved enthusiasm, focus, participation, and academic progress. The streets of North Philadelphia and New Orleans have taught children to look out for themselves and their immediate family. At IPDC camps, the importance of community, kindness, and respect is emphasized. These attributes prepare them for meaningful relationships at school and in the workplace.
When prompted to journal about what makes them feel secure, a recent student said that his safe place is “here at camp”. The rapid dissolution of many after-school programs has created a critical need for organized, constructive, and exciting outlets. IPDC collaborates with existing family service organizations helps us serve these at- risk youth with the uniquely transformational programs.
Judging from the response and results to prior programs, Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective has a compelling and viable vision that will improve the lives of countless children. IPDC believes that the anticipated programs will continue to fulfill the organization’s mission and vision. Children each have a story to tell and Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective teaches them the creative skills necessary to make their voices heard.