Buck Out of the Norm

Buck Out Cleveland is a dance organization and studio dedicated to offering technical dance training, performance opportunities, character development, audition preparation, and educational assistance to aspiring marching band auxiliary members at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and dancers curious about pursuing dance as a career. Our goal is to ensure that youth who aspire to become professional and college-level dancers are not inhibited by the lack of access to the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the field.

Our Mission

Our mission is to utilize dance to successfully bridge the gap between Northeast Ohio youth and higher education at Historically Black Colleges & Universities, while increasing the awareness of obtainable dance careers.

Our Vision

​Our vision is to see dancers from Northeast Ohio obtain fruitful careers in dance, creating a cyclical trend of empowerment and success in the community.

How We Help

Through our mission and objectives, we impact the lives of many aspiring dancers living in NEO, helping them see that their passion can become an educational and professional realty.

What We Offer

Dance & Auxiliary Training Classes - Buck Out Cleveland houses dance companies in which dancers train daily in various genres of dance. These intimate settings allow dancers to mature socially and build camaraderie among themselves as well as participate in seasonal concerts, recitals, and virtual performances. We also offer 1-on-1 and group private sessions for individuals looking to sharpen their skills as well as local dance teams and organizations seeking to provide training for their participants. Lastly, thanks to our partnerships with local organizations, we are able to offer free recreational training at neighborhood recreation centers. Our goal is to offer the opportunity for community adolescents to join a city-wide All-Star Majorette Dance Team.

Audition Preparation - Through mock auditions, panel discussions, and dance workshops, dancers receive an exclusive look at what it takes to successfully audition for the dance organization of their choice, and well as dance workshops facilitated by professional and collegiate dancers.

City-Wide Dance Showcase - Our city-wide dance showcase brings together young, aspiring dancers who would not otherwise have the opportunity to display their talents amongst their peers and community. Young dancers are also connected with resource vendors to gain information pertinent to success after high school including colleges, scholarship resources, and other similar support services.
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Connection to College Resources - Dancers that participate in our programming are connected to various resources and local organizations that provide support with the college application process, as well readiness workshops and access to scholarships. Our goal is to provide consistent academic and dance scholarships to students and as well as offer further exposure through HBCU College Tours.

What We've Achieved

Buck Out Cleveland has served over 150 youth through dance workshops, character development workshops and annual all-city dance showcase events. Furthermore, many students have successfully gone on to become professional and/or collegiate dances as a result of participation in Buck Out programs. For example, two students are now part of the Alabama State University band dance teams (Stingettes & Honey Bees); one student started a dance team at Ohio University; and one is now a professional dancer with the Monsters Hockey Team.

Get Involved

• Donate - No gift is too small. Your support will help us carry out our mission and continue to provide training and resources to our students.
• Volunteer - Please consider becoming a member of our Booster Club. Looking to make a greater impact? Please consider applying to become a member of our Board of Trustees.
• Partner - We believe that partnerships have a lasting impact on our community. Please consider partnering with us.