Modern American Dance Company (MADCO)

As one of the nation's longest standing dance companies, MADCO is focused on using dance as a tool to shed light on important topics. MADCO reaches 30,000 people each year with concert performances, education programs, touring, and community outreach events including special programs for people with disabilities. We believe dance is a powerful tool - not only to entertain but to educate and inspire. We exist to help audiences, students of all ages and abilities, and communities use dance to gain a better understanding of themselves and others, thereby stimulating personal growth, conversations, and enjoyment of the arts. 

Your support will ensure that we have the funding to help bring this programming to our community:

Entertain

“EVOLVE: Courage in Motion” is a dance concert born from a profound desire to commemorate the enduring legacy of a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for elementary school literacy programs, Sarah Ann Johnson (1962-2024). Through this performance, we seek to honor her memory and amplify her message of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. This concert serves as a testament to the transformative power of art in fostering empathy, understanding, and community engagement. The choreography will weave together themes of perseverance, hope, and the human spirit, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges and triumphs that define the human experience. Through this project, we aim to not only commemorate the life of our esteemed advocate but also to further our commitment to promoting literacy and education in elementary schools. By engaging with audiences through the universal language of dance, we hope to spark conversations and inspire action towards creating a more equitable and compassionate society. Your donation will support the production costs associated with staging the concert, including venue rental, artist fees, and technical expenses. Additionally, it will enable us to expand our outreach efforts, bringing the performance to underserved communities and partnering with local schools to facilitate discussions on themes of resilience, empathy, and social change.

Educate

Books in Motion is an enriching 10-day program aimed at inspiring a deep appreciation for the arts, fostering a love for reading, and providing hands-on experiences tailored to the unique needs of a school's 4th or 5th grade students. For the 2023-24 school year, we carefully chose "Honestly Elliott" as the featured book for Books in Motion. (Schneider Family Book Award). The heartwarming story revolves around Elliott, a sixth grader with ADHD, who discovers his passion for cooking while navigating various challenges in his family, friendships, and school life, ultimately finding his path to self-discovery.

The artistic components of the Books in Motion program encompass a range of elements that blend literature, dance, and creativity. These components are integrated to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for the participating students. The program integrates various elements, such as interpreting themes and motifs through movement, choreography, and dance performance, fostering creative expression and improvisation, promoting teamwork and collaboration, and culminating in live performances where students showcase their interpretations before their peers and the wider community. Your donation can help deliver an engaging experience that not only enriches the students' understanding of literature and dance but also nurtures their creativity, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

Collaborate

Dance Movement Series for People with MS

The Dance Movement Series for People with MS is an inclusive program tailored to individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS), aiming to provide a supportive environment for physical activity, community engagement, and creative expression. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants will meet once a week at the St. Louis Academy of Dance. The program offers modifications for dancers of all levels, accommodating both seated and standing positions to ensure accessibility. Led by experienced instructors specializing in adaptive dance including Katherine Kennedy (MADCO Education Director), sessions will incorporate guided movement exercises, improvisation, and choreographic exploration. The program prioritizes fostering connections among participants and aims to provide a space where individuals can explore their creative potential while building a supportive community. No prior dance experience is required, making it accessible to all individuals living with MS who seek opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and artistic expression. Your donation will support the implementation of the program, including instructor fees, venue rental, and materials needed for sessions.

Programming initiatives are awaiting budget approval. Your involvement can shape its success!