"Take the Stage gives those who struggle academically or in their personal lives a
chance to succeed and learn to work as a team."
-Sue Hoffman, Our Lady of Hope 1st grade educator 

Our Mission
Take the Stage is a high-energy, in-school dance residency program designed to uplift and inspire youth to excellence. Through a positive and dynamic experience in the arts we provide children the opportunity to discover the tools necessary to become successful in academics and in life.

Our Focus
We work with students in urban core schools where 90% qualify for free and reduced lunches. No child pays a penny to dance with us. We believe that the performing arts is a powerful force to motivate children to reach their full potential regardless of background or ability. 

Our Results​​

• 90% of students feel more able to persevere and excel
• 86% of students feel more confident working in a group 
• 84% of students are willing to try new things

Our Story
Take the Stage began as an outreach program of Owen/Cox Dance Group. This professional dance company's mission is to create new music and dance collaborations, to present high-quality contemporary dance performances with live music, and to engage as wide an audience as possible through affordable live performance, education and outreach programs. Take the Stage extended this mission to provide access to powerful dance curriculum for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity in Kansas City. 

In 2013, TTS launched as a semester-long, in-school residency with two teaching artists serving 45 students in two schools. Today, Take the Stage has grown into a comprehensive program which employs 10 professional teaching artists in multiple schools, serving 350 students annually, and hosting 12 performances with live music. TTS offers full-year and half-year residencies, provides avenues for advanced training and multiple performing opportunities for its students.  

"I want to come to school more."
–Charlie