Program Spotlight: Dancing Grounds

Dancing Grounds provides an inclusive, accessible space for all people to move their bodies. They are committed to developing youth leaders and advocating for social change.

Dance for Social Change is a youth leadership program for high schoolers to develop choreographic skills, social and self-awareness, and tools for social justice organizing. The group of 15-20 participants identifies a social justice issue that impacts them and collaboratively develops an original performance that blends hip hop, contemporary, and Afro-diasporic dances, poetry, and music.

They premiere their original work at the annual DSC Festival and tour local community events. The group also participates in Undoing Racism workshops, gender justice training, and other social justice efforts connected to the topic they have chosen to spotlight. In past years, Dance for Social Change has focused on gentrification and displacement, mental health stigmas, women’s rights and gender justice, and the school-to-prison pipeline.

“This is my home, this is my free zone. I feel very welcomed here; this is love at first sight.” — Gabrielle Bankston (16)

“Dancing Grounds is a safe and creative space that allows me to manifest my goals.” — Alexcia Morgan (17)

“Dancing Grounds is the perfect place to experiment with my style and creativity.” — Amira Mumford (15)

“Dancing Grounds is a village that helps raise all of us.” — Amaya Smith (16) 

“If you are not dancing at Dancing Grounds, then you are not dancing.” — Lauren Hughes (14)

Interested in Dancing Grounds?

Visit dancingrounds.org for more information or follow @dancinggrounds on Instagram and Facebook. Also make sure to check out @danceforsocialchange on Instagram!

Dancing Grounds is currently closed for in-studio classes but is offering classes virtually and at Crescent City Park. Check their website for the latest schedule.

How to Get Involved

Dance for Social Change is open to high school students who are interested in meeting every Saturday from 12:30-3:30pm for rehearsals and social justice workshops. Participants can apply to serve in a variety of paid internship roles as Dancing Grounds teaching assistants, receptionists, and creative leaders. Young artists are paid a $75-150 participation stipend.

To find out more about Dance for Social Change, contact Chanice Holmes at chanice@dancingrounds.org or visit dancingrounds.org/dance-for-social-change.

For other DG youth programs, contact Randall Rosenberg at randall@dancingrounds.org.