Fine arts

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Scholars at Catalyst are exposed to rigorous academic programming as well as the opportunity to intentionally experience a variety of artistic mediums.  Catalyst is committed to providing scholars with exposure to fine art, music, dance, and other opportunities where they can nurture their numerous talents.  These experiences are provided through the schools’ internal programming and those formed through partnerships with external non-profit organizations.   These organizations include the Chicago Children’s Choir, Ravinia Festival, and May I Have This Dance? Ballroom Dancing, The schools’ ballroom dancing teams are four-time champions of the city-wide May I Have This Dance? ballroom dance competition, held annually at the Chicago Cultural Center!

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In October 2012, Ravinia Foundation's Women's Board began its sponsorship of the Circle Rockets orchestra at Catalyst Circle Rock.  Currently, nearly 90 students are members of the largest elementary school African-American symphony orchestra in the country.  Teaching is done according to the El Sistema model- when the orchestra was founded in 2012, it was one of four schools implementing this approach nationwide!