Dancing In the Streets AZ

Are you an Arizona resident seeking a dance school that not only imparts technical skills but also fosters a strong sense of community, discipline, and personal growth? Dancing In the Streets AZ (DITSAZ) in Tucson, Arizona, stands as a unique non-profit organization dedicated to using the transformative power of dance to enrich lives. This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of what makes DITSAZ a significant point of interest for locals, highlighting its mission, programs, and the community it serves.

Founded in 2008 by husband and wife team Soleste Lupu and Joseph Rodgers, who met in ballet school in Tucson, DITSAZ began with a modest sum and a grand vision. Located in South Tucson, an area rich in cultural heritage but facing socio-economic challenges, the school's mission is profound: to use the excitement and discipline of ballet to guide children in developing positive life skills, and to break down cultural barriers while enriching the community's artistic experience. Dancing In the Streets AZ is committed to promoting and celebrating the transformative power of dance, providing accessible opportunities for artistic expression, education, and performance.

At its core, DITSAZ believes that dance has the ability to inspire, connect, and empower individuals and communities. This belief is echoed by many who have experienced their programs. One parent enthusiastically shared, "We love the Dancing in the Streets family. My girls just did their first performance in Nutcracker and were so excited to be part of such a fun and inclusive show. Parents are very involved and Joey and Soleste are fantastic teachers that make ballet fun, especially for the little ones. This is a non-profit and they are extremely supportive of all the kids they teach." This sentiment highlights the school's inclusive nature and its dedication to making dance an enjoyable experience for all.

Since its inception in 2008, DITSAZ has seen over 6,000 "enrollments" from more than 300 families, reflecting its significant impact on the community. Their student demographics are notably diverse, with 50% Hispanic/Latino, 20% Native American mix, 5% Asian Mix, 5% African American mix, and 20% Caucasian students, ranging from five years of age to adulthood. This diversity is a testament to their commitment to accessibility regardless of income level, physical shape/size, or skill level, including serving children with incarcerated parents, victims of abuse, and those with physical and developmental disabilities.

It's important to acknowledge that some past experiences have raised concerns regarding professionalism and communication. A former participant noted, "Unfortunately, they lack professionalism and decorum. After years of accepting these behaviors, I realized the vision doesn't outweigh the damage being done to young dancers. Joey becomes frustrated and yells at the dancer until they are in tears. Soleste gossips about the dancers... They publicly humiliate and shame students, one time yelling in front of the studio 'your on scholarship, and it's a privilege for you to be here because your Mom can't afford it!' Soleste is the epitome of microaggression towards BIPOC folks, while Joey proudly uses ablest language to describe their 'all inclusive' atmosphere." While these are serious allegations that prospective students and families should be aware of, the school's stated mission and its non-profit status suggest a foundational commitment to positive community impact. This article aims to provide a balanced overview based on available public information.

Dancing In the Streets AZ is strategically located at 88 W 38th St, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA. This address places the dance school in South Tucson, an area known for its strong cultural heritage. For residents of Tucson and surrounding communities in Arizona, this location offers a degree of accessibility, particularly for those living in the southern and central parts of the city.

West 38th Street is a local road that connects to larger thoroughfares, facilitating travel by car. While specific parking details are not provided, community-based non-profit organizations often work to ensure convenient access for their patrons. Given its mission to serve diverse populations, it is likely that the school strives to make its facilities as accessible as possible. For those relying on public transportation in Tucson, it would be advisable to check local bus routes that serve the vicinity of 38th Street to ascertain the most convenient public transport options.

The choice of location in South Tucson aligns with the school's mission to engage and serve the local community, especially at-risk youth. This placement allows them to be embedded within the neighborhoods they aim to impact, fostering a direct connection with the families and individuals they serve. The studio itself is described as a "well-appointed ballet studio," suggesting a functional and appropriate space for dance instruction, contributing to a dedicated learning environment for its students in Arizona.

Dancing In the Streets AZ offers a range of dance programs, primarily focused on ballet, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, artistic expression, and community development. As a non-profit organization, their services are designed to be inclusive and empowering for all students, regardless of their background or financial situation.

• Ballet Classes: Core instruction in classical ballet, forming the foundation of their dance education. Classes are structured to develop technique, discipline, coordination, and artistry. They cater to various age groups and skill levels, from young children to adults.
• Children's Dance Programs: Specific programs for younger dancers, including "Twinkle 2's" (16 months - 3 years) focusing on coordination, listening, balance, and creative movement; "Dance & Gym Combo" (3-5 years) introducing dance and gymnastics; and "Kinder Dance" (5-6 years) for ballet, tap, and jazz basics.
• Foundational & Advanced Ballet Classes: For ages 6-18, building on basic skills, learning to connect skills, memorize combinations, and refine artistry. This includes "Intermediate Ballet" and "Advanced Ballet" for students building on their prior training.
• Adult Classes: Programs for adult dancers of varying skill levels, providing opportunities for beginners to learn and experienced dancers to continue their practice. This includes a "Unique Abilities Adult Dance" class for adults with varying neurodivergent diagnoses, emphasizing a love for dance and meeting individual needs.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in bi-annual recitals and perform in two full-length ballets each year (like Nutcracker) often accompanied by live orchestra music, before audiences of 300-500. They also engage in more than 30 smaller community performances in various public spaces, offering invaluable stage experience.
• Youth Empowerment through Dance: The core mission focuses on guiding children, especially at-risk youth, in developing positive life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance through dance.
• Cultural Exchange & Community Engagement: The organization curates and produces high-quality dance performances, organizes events and festivals, and conducts outreach programs that bring dance into public spaces and underserved areas, fostering cultural understanding and connection within the community.
• Inclusivity: Classes are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all levels, regardless of income level, physical shape/size, or skill level. They have served students with diverse backgrounds, including those with physical and developmental disabilities.
• Professional Development: The school helps students audition for and gain acceptance into prestigious summer intensive programs, with some students even achieving professional performance opportunities.

Dancing In the Streets AZ stands out as a significant cultural and educational asset in Tucson, Arizona, due to several compelling features and highlights, particularly its mission-driven approach and community impact.

• Non-Profit Mission for Accessibility: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DITSAZ is uniquely positioned to make dance accessible to "everyone," especially at-risk youth and those who may not traditionally have access to arts education, regardless of their income level, physical shape/size, or skill level. This commitment to inclusivity is a core strength.
• Transformative Power of Dance: The school's mission is explicitly "to use the power of dance to transform lives," guiding children in developing positive life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and confidence. This goes beyond mere technical instruction.
• Experienced and Dedicated Founders: Joseph Rodgers and Soleste Lupu, the husband-and-wife team who founded DITSAZ in 2008, bring their personal ballet backgrounds to lead the organization. They are described as "fantastic teachers that make ballet fun, especially for the little ones."
• Vibrant Community Involvement: DITSAZ actively engages with the community through numerous performances, including two full-length ballets annually with live orchestras, and over 30 smaller community performances. This allows students to experience the "gratification of achievement" and enriches the broader artistic landscape of Tucson.
• Diverse Student Body: The school serves a highly diverse demographic, with students from various ethnic backgrounds and ages ranging from five to adulthood, including those with disabilities or challenging life circumstances. This truly embodies their "ballet for everyone" vision.
• Opportunities for Growth and Success: Students have successfully auditioned for and been accepted into prestigious summer intensive programs, with some even pursuing professional dance careers, showcasing the quality of their training and mentorship.
• Focus on Life Skills: Beyond dance technique, DITSAZ emphasizes developing positive life skills, promoting empathy, celebrating diversity, and building meaningful connections within the community through dance.
• Parental Involvement: Parents are described as "very involved," indicating a supportive ecosystem around the students and the school's activities.
• "Fun and Inclusive Show" Experiences: Testimonials highlight the excitement students feel participating in performances like the Nutcracker, which are described as "fun and inclusive."

For Arizona residents interested in learning more about Dancing In the Streets AZ, enrolling in their programs, or supporting their non-profit mission, connecting with their team is straightforward.

Address: 88 W 38th St, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA

Phone: (520) 607-8750

Mobile Phone: +1 520-607-8750

For additional details regarding class schedules, specific programs, upcoming performances, or how to contribute to their mission, visiting their official website, ditsaz.org, is recommended. As a non-profit, they also rely on community support, and their website typically provides information on how to get involved or make a donation. Prospective students and families are encouraged to reach out directly to inquire about their unique offerings and the inclusive environment they strive to create.

For residents of Arizona, particularly those in the Tucson area, Dancing In the Streets AZ stands as a highly suitable and impactful local point of interest for dance education and community engagement. Its location in South Tucson aligns directly with its mission to serve diverse and often underserved populations, making high-quality dance instruction accessible to those who might otherwise lack such opportunities. While some past concerns regarding professionalism have been noted, the core mission and positive impact on many students highlight its value.

The primary suitability of DITSAZ for locals lies in its unwavering commitment as a non-profit organization to use dance as a vehicle for positive transformation. It provides an inclusive environment where "ballet for everyone" is a guiding principle, welcoming students regardless of income, physical ability, or background. Parents consistently praise the fun and inclusive nature of their performances and the supportive role of Joey and Soleste in making dance enjoyable for children. The school's focus extends beyond technical steps, aiming to instill crucial life skills like discipline, teamwork, and confidence, which are invaluable for youth development in any community.

Furthermore, DITSAZ actively enriches Tucson's cultural landscape through numerous community performances and productions, offering students invaluable stage experience and bringing the arts directly to local audiences. For any Arizona local seeking a dance school that prioritizes community impact, fosters diversity, and provides meaningful artistic opportunities while navigating its organizational challenges, Dancing In the Streets AZ offers a unique and significant contribution to the cultural vitality of Tucson. It's a place where the joy and discipline of dance can truly broaden a child's "sense of life possibilities."

Dancing In the Streets AZ

88 W 38th St, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA