Empowering Creativity: The MCAF Teaching Artist Experience
Maliek Community Arts Foundation - Empowering Communities
The Maliek Community Arts Foundation (MCAF) stands out for its team of passionate and highly skilled teaching artists—experts in dance, theater, music, and visual arts. These professionals undergo comprehensive training focused on whole-child development and social-emotional learning, rooted in a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Through the program, students delve into modern dance techniques, explore the Maliek Authentic Movement, and gain a deeper appreciation for the stories and artistry of underrepresented creators.
Our teaching artists encourage students to discover connections between dance, music, and storytelling while fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression. They are recruited through partnerships with industry leaders and advisory networks, ensuring that students learn from professional dancers, educators, musicians, and theater artists who bring diverse perspectives and expertise.
To maintain a high standard of excellence, teaching artists participate in extensive professional development twice a year and receive ongoing mentorship from MCAF’s leadership and specialists in child development and DEIA. Beyond their teaching, they actively contribute to enhancing the program by designing lessons that encourage exploration, creativity, and reflection, all while supporting students’ social and emotional growth.
At MCAF, our teaching artists are committed to transforming lives through the arts, empowering students to embrace their unique identities and develop their artistic voices.
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Findings reported by the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) show that dance can help improve numerous cognitive and social-emotional skills and abilities, including:
- Cognitive Development: Dance enhances memory, attention, and focus, helping students improve their ability to retain information and concentrate.
- Social-Emotional Skills: Participation in dance fosters self-expression, emotional regulation, and empathy, promoting better communication and interpersonal relationships.
- Motor Skills: Dance improves coordination, balance, and spatial awareness, supporting physical development and body control.
- Creativity and Problem-Solving: Dance encourages innovative thinking, adaptability, and the ability to solve complex problems through movement and choreography.
- Cultural Awareness: Through exposure to various dance styles and traditions, students develop a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and histories.
Volunteer Opportunities
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Our Programs
Learn more about our programs and how we support the community. From education to health care, we strive to make a positive difference in people's lives.
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Our Impact
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