The Accès-Danse Program was introduced in 2002 with the help of the Fonds jeunesse Québec, whose financial support was instrumental to its implementation. From the beginning, a number of other corporate partners also showed an interest in supporting the program, be it financially or through gifts in kind. Since its introduction, the Accès-Danse program has allowed dozens of children to receive basic dance training. In recent client surveys, both parents and students were enchanted by the program, which provides disadvantaged youth with an enriching and fulfilling learning experience. The Accès-Danse program provides financial support to children 8 to 13 years of age, from low-income families. Scholarships are graded according to income and can reach the full amount of tuition.

In the fall of 2005 a new model was introduced for the Accès-Danse program, and funding was transferred to the school's Scholarship Fund. Local schools and community outreach partners identify and refer eligible children to the program. Parents of interested candidates are required to submit an application form along with proof of income. Candidates who meet the admission criteria are enrolled in classes through the Recreational Division and have access to Classical Ballet, Jazz Dance, Tap Dance and Musical Comedy. Classes are taught by our highly skilled teachers and include. Most students attend fall or winter semesters, but summer programs such as the annual Children's Summer Dance Camp are also accessible. Students of the program also participate in open-house classes and in the year-end recital. Even full-scholarship students are responsible for costs relating to transportation to and from the school, dancewear, and tickets for the year-end performance. Second-hand dancewear is available at a reduced cost from the school's used clothing store.

To qualify for the Accès-Danse program, a child must:

• Be between 8 and 13 years of age when they first register;
• Have an interest in dance;
• Be motivated and inspired;
• Be from a low income household.

For further information on applying for the Accès-Danse program, see Documentation in the Investing in Dance section or contact Joëlle Turcotte, Head of the recreational division at jturcotte@ledq.qc.ca

Testimonials
The Documentation section also contains a document entitled Annexes which provides testimonials by young dancers of the Accès-Danse program.