DFD offers a variety of inclusive, high-quality, low-cost art and dance classes to more than 215 individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities annually. Based in Southern California, DFD delivers more than 9,500 student-hours of direct programming each year through our core programs which include year-round instruction and performance opportunities in traditional dance styles (musical theater, tap, and ballet), modern dance styles (hip hop and jazz contemporary), and visual arts.
Across all dance classes, students learn the fundamentals of technique and are encouraged to explore the way their body moves to find and cultivate their own style through improvisation and free style. Throughout the year, our dancers perform at showcases and community events – giving our students a platform, promoting social inclusion, and helping shift public perceptions of disability in the arts.
Beyond dance, in our Art Explorations class, students are encouraged to be curious and playful as we explore feelings and emotions, while promoting positive self-expression through drawing, painting, collage, and more.
To help ensure accessibility within traditionally and historically excluded communities, DFD offers classes at various locations in collaboration with dance studios throughout Orange County. Further, demonstrating DFD’s experience, and ongoing commitment to engaging and uplifting historically and systemically under-resourced, excluded, artists, especially those inhibited by transportation, physical, geographic, or socioeconomic barriers, DFD offers classes both in-person and online, with full/partial scholarships available to those in need.
Demand for Down For Dance’s high quality programming is evidenced by our extensive waitlist: we currently have over 50 students on our waitlist.