TAMPA, Fla. — The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is looking for community partners.

Administrators are going through applications for its Arts Education Partnership Program. The partnership connects schools and community groups with performing arts professionals. 

Straz administrators said there has been an increased interest from the community. More than 50 schools, community groups and after-school programs have applied to partner with the Straz next year.

The Academy Prep of Tampa has been a partner with the Straz Center. Students like Jazmine Jackson appreciate the opportunity. She’s learning to dance.

“I started dancing when I was 6 so I’ve been doing it for a very long and I just like expressing myself without talking,” Jackson said. “Dancing without talking.”

“Dance education teaches children to be themselves, number one, but also to try new things,” said Straz instructor Kandace Johnson. “Explore. Explore the arts.”

The goal of the program is for the community to gain a genuine appreciation for the arts, whether it’s through dance, theater, musical theater, or song.

The Straz Center’s Arts Education Partnership Program runs between September and May.

Community partners must reapply every year to take part. 

The application window for fall 2023 recently closed at the end of March.