FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Lisa M. Kang
Executive Director Phone: 919.619.0483
Fax: 919.932.5799
Lisakang1@gmail.com

NORTH CAROLINA ARTS IN ACTION RECEIVES GRANTS FOR PILOT PROGRAM

Grants Awarded from The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and The Mary D.B.T. Semans Foundation

CHAPEL HILL, January 30, 2006 - North Carolina Arts in Action (NCAIA) has received $5,000 from The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and $5,000 from The Mary D.B.T. Semans Foundation for its first in-school pilot dance program. The program was launched on January 26th at the Mel and Zora Rashkis Elementary School in Chapel Hill with 110 participating fourth graders.

North Carolina Arts in Action was founded by Chapel Hill resident Shirley Berger with the knowledge that the arts, specifically dance, have a unique power to engage and motivate children. For many years, Mrs. Berger served on the Board of Directors of the National Dance Institute: New Mexico. After moving to Chapel Hill, she wanted to bring this innovative dance program to the children of North Carolina. NCAIA strives to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives. NCAIA is affiliated with the National Dance Institute of New York founded by former New York City Ballet principal dancer, Jacques d'Amboise.

"We are very excited to assist in launching this unique educational tool for public school children and look forward to seeing the growth of this organization reach the children across North Carolina," said Douglas Zinn, Executive Director of The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and Trustee for The Mary D.B.T. Semans Foundation.

For more information about North Carolina Arts in Action, please call 919.619.0483.