Our organization’s Core Programs and Services include arts education, concert performances, and special projects: the San Pedro Festival of the Arts, the online Southern California Dance Directory, and the Alfred Desio Tap Dance Project. Dance offers a unique opportunity to engage the diversity of those we serve, regardless of background or ability.

1- Our EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS enhance students’ dance skills by sequential learning the CA VAPA Standards. Our Teaching Artists are our professional performers, with degrees and trained with our Director Louise Reichlin. Dance offers students an anchor of personal expression, a source of motivation, and a model to deal with life. Our multicultural/multi-disciplinary residencies allow students to develop creative ideas and problem-solving across subject areas and into their adult lives. Our projects take us throughout the city, serving mostly low-income youths in racially diverse communities located in the lower two quartiles of the Healthy Places Index.

2- We have consistently PRODUCED CONCERT PERFORMANCES since 1979, creating new works and performing in festivals. Concert performances are low-cost, often with students’ classes invited free. Artistic Director/Choreographer Reichlin created 105+ works on the company, with collaboration and input from our diverse dancers and our audiences.
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3- We regularly produce festivals, including The New Works Dance Festival in major theaters (‘80-’88) and Dance at Brand for the City of Glendale, increasing community access to dance. Our free SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS (SPFA) is in its 19th year. The last two inclusive SPFA’s showcased dance forms from four East Indian traditions, African, Brazilian, Puerto Rican, Peruvian, Greek, Middle Eastern and Folklorico with modern, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. SPFA attracts attendees from across the area. San Pedro is in the lower half of the HPI.

4- Free from its inception in 1995, our online SOCAL DANCE DIRECTORY has contact/information for 699 companies.