Dance by CLES

Dance by CLES was created in partnership with the National Dance Institute (NDI) in New York, as part of CLES’s mission to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity and to promote inclusion, regardless of differences and learning capacities. Rooted in NDI’s award-winning pedagogy, developed under the leadership of Jacques d’Amboise, the program offers structured, joyful dance experiences.

Launched in August 2017, Dance by CLES brings dance and the arts to both private and public schools in Lebanon, creating a safe and joyful space where children can express themselves freely, and engage in healthy physical activity. Beyond movement, the program nurtures key life and school skills: it encourages positive behavioral commitment and discipline, introduces children to the art of music and dance, develops sensory-motor coordination, and strengthens teamwork through shared routines and group creation. As children learn, practice, and perform together, they build confidence in their abilities and a stronger sense of belonging within their school community.

Dance by CLES also highlights the powerful role of dance in children’s overall development, supporting their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. By fostering self-expression, cooperation, and focus, the program reinforces skills that carry into the classroom and supports children’s readiness to learn and thrive.