Northeast Performing Arts Group
The Northeast Performing Arts Group (NEPAG) is an award-winning, culturally based arts and education program whose mission is “To develop and foster the creative talents of youth in the Northeast/Southeast corridors of Washington, D.C. through performing and visual arts, as an alternative to street life and to teach the invaluable lessons of discipline, commitment and team motivation”. NEPAG has trained over 9,000 youth and helped more than 400 enroll in college.
In 1979, the late Rita Jackson founded the NEPAG, envisioning a place to advance the development of District youth through the performing arts and offer constructive alternatives to the negative influences of their communities. Targeting Ward 7 youth living in River Terrace, Kenilworth, Marshall Heights, Benning Terrace and Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings communities, the studio initially offered dance, drama and vocal classes. Recognizing the need for holistic approaches to combat escalating dropout rates, violence and drug use and other self-destructive behavior, NEPAG expanded programming to include academic support services and life skills training and planning. It established the N.E. Outreach Youth Center, and, today, 45 years later, the center and arts studio have evolved into a safe haven where young people, ages 3 - 18, can prepare for life while exploring the arts after school, weekends and during the 9-week Summer Performing Arts Camp. The NEPAG is currently under the executive direction of Carrington Lassiter.
In 1979, the late Rita Jackson founded the NEPAG, envisioning a place to advance the development of District youth through the performing arts and offer constructive alternatives to the negative influences of their communities. Targeting Ward 7 youth living in River Terrace, Kenilworth, Marshall Heights, Benning Terrace and Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings communities, the studio initially offered dance, drama and vocal classes. Recognizing the need for holistic approaches to combat escalating dropout rates, violence and drug use and other self-destructive behavior, NEPAG expanded programming to include academic support services and life skills training and planning. It established the N.E. Outreach Youth Center, and, today, 45 years later, the center and arts studio have evolved into a safe haven where young people, ages 3 - 18, can prepare for life while exploring the arts after school, weekends and during the 9-week Summer Performing Arts Camp. The NEPAG is currently under the executive direction of Carrington Lassiter.
SUPPORT the youth of the Northeast Performing Arts Group
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For 45 years, the Northeast Performing Arts Group (NEPAG) has been transforming the lives of untrained at-risk inner-city youth by introducing them to all forms of the performing arts. These young people have excelled and developed on to become teachers, lawyers, architects, and professional performing artists working in varying arenas throughout the United States and abroad; fortifying the long-known fact that “the arts” is the creative passage of a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
The NEPAG functions as a hub for all activities and provides professional training in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, African, and liturgical dance, as well as vocal and drama instruction. Recognizing the need for holistic approaches to combat escalating dropout rates, violence, and drug use, and other self-destructive behavior, NEPAG expanded programming to include academic support services and life skills training and planning. It is contributions like yours that make it all possible. Your tax-deductible donation will enable the NEPAG to give the young people living in the District of Columbia; specifically, in the wards East of the river, a safe space to express themselves through the performing arts. By supporting the NEPAG, District youth may realize that their current circumstance does not define their future. During this season of giving, I encourage you to support the NEPAG and make your donation count Make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking the donate button below. If you prefer to donate offline, please see the alternative option below. To send a check by mail, please send to: Northeast Performing Arts Group 3431 Benning Road, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20019 Attn: Carrington Lassiter, Executive Director |
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Celebrating African American Women & Dance
Black girls including youth from the Northeast Performing Arts Group danced at the White House on Monday, February 8, 2016, performing and participating in master classes -- in the White House -- with Judith Jamison (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), Fatima Robinson, Virginia Johnson (Dance Theater of Harlem) and Debbie Allen while Michelle Obama celebrated their contributions at the White House.
Students from the Northeast Performing Arts Group worked with Debbie Allen and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Click the video below to see performances of African Dunham Piece choreographed by Debbie Allen and "I've Been Buked" and "Cry" with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Students from the Northeast Performing Arts Group worked with Debbie Allen and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Click the video below to see performances of African Dunham Piece choreographed by Debbie Allen and "I've Been Buked" and "Cry" with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.