Esperanza Dance Project

Esperanza Dance Project performs two separate age-appropriate shows that integrate dance, music, and narrative. House of Hope, our high school show, was created to spread awareness and educate about childhood sexual abuse. The show discusses challenges that are faced by survivors in their healing process and delivers a message of hope. Our middle school show, ProjectRIS: Respect, Inspire, Support, focuses on issues of concern brought up by youth between the ages of 11 and 14 including unhealthy relationships, substance misuse, poor mental health, body image, safe social media, and bullying. All performances and programming are free for schools, and every student who attends a performance receives a copy of our comprehensive curriculum which corresponds with each of our two shows. The curriculum was developed by professionals from the Tucson community in the areas of education, school counseling, dance, language arts, and behavioral health. Immediately after the performance, the dancers, who are trained peer advocates, facilitate discussions inspired by the students' anonymous questions which are collected via index cards that are handed out prior to each show.