1998 Study

A study was commissioned in 1998 to evaluate the role of Saint Joseph Ballet in promoting “asset-development” among its students.  Conducted by Scott Simpson, Ph.D. and Nancy Minear, Ph.D. of the University of California, Irvine, this study was based on the notion of the “resilient” child – a child with a set of developmental assets that promotes positive outcomes and inhibits risk taking behavior, and supports him or her in becoming a positive, healthy, and engaged adult.  

The 1998 Study concluded that:

• Saint Joseph Ballet participants on average have 26 assets as compared to a national average for school-aged children of 16 assets

• Saint Joseph Ballet participants have high levels of asset development, reflecting attitudes and resources that promote healthy development, including:

           Empowerment  

           Positive values

           Family and community support  

           Positive identity

           Boundaries and expectations     

           Social competencies

           Constructive use of time

           Commitment to learning

• Long-term Saint Joseph Ballet participants have significantly more assets than short-term participants

The significant differences between long- and short-term participants in number of developmental assets argues strongly that Saint Joseph Ballet has a profound and positive effect on the lives of those children who join the Ballet, and that those effects are increased for children who stay in the Ballet for more than one year.