Young Talent Program Components	The Young Talent Program identifies and develops children's artistic talent and provides incentives for academic and personal achievement through the arts. Children in grades 4-8 receive introductory, professional arts instruction in dance, music, or theater, and advanced instruction and support services for students selected through our unique, research-based talent identification process. Young Talent is a comprehensive program where all the components support the arts instruction and contribute to the success of the program. The Program is designed to develop students abilities both as performers and creators. Challenging and rigorous curricula in a variety of styles and representing different cultural traditions, emphasize process along with product. Areas of study in each discipline include technique, performance, improvisation, and composition. Young Talent students are given the opportunity to perform for their schools, communities, and at special events. These have included the 1993 Presidential Inauguration and, in 1997, the city of Trondheim, Norway's Millennium Celebration. After graduating from elementary school, Young Talent dance students can continue their training through our Young Talent Alumni Program. The Young Talent Program served as the basis for two, three-year, research and development grants from the United States Department of Education and has been recognized by local and federal agencies, including the United States Office of Juvenile Justice, as being highly effective in helping students transfer success in the arts to the rest of their school lives.
		Young Talent Program Components All students in grades 4-8 receive: 4-5 weeks of introductory instruction in dance, music, or theater Assessment of artistic ability and selection for advanced training Selected students receive: 25 weeks of intensive, in-school instruction in dance, music, or theater After-school, ensemble training Schools and families may receive: Staff development workshops for teachers including training to learn about and participate in identifying students' artistic abilities Opportunities for teachers to become tutors with specialized training In-school performances by artists and students for the entire school Opportunities for families to participate in arts activities with their children through Family Days at their schools