Everybody Dance LA!

Are you a California local searching for an organization that truly makes a profound difference in the lives of young people through the power of dance, right here in the heart of Los Angeles? Look no further than Everybody Dance LA! This exceptional non-profit is dedicated to transforming lives and communities by providing high-quality dance education to youth aged 4-19 from low-income areas across Los Angeles. More than just a place to learn steps, Everybody Dance LA! (formerly known as The Gabriella Foundation) instills high expectations, cultivating lifelong skills such as collaboration, discipline, and self-expression, empowering students to become confident and engaged participants in their education, careers, and communities.

Since its establishment in 1999 in memory of Gabriella Axelrad, a thirteen-year-old who loved to dance, Everybody Dance LA! has grown significantly, becoming a beacon of hope and opportunity in Southern California. The organization's mission is deeply rooted in the belief that every young person possesses innate strength, creativity, and potential. By creating a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment, they empower thousands of students annually to thrive, not only as dancers but as well-rounded individuals ready to face life's challenges. For families and supporters across California, particularly in the Los Angeles area, Everybody Dance LA! represents a vital and impactful force in accessible arts education.

The success of Everybody Dance LA! is evident in the profound impact it has on its students' lives. Reports from the organization itself highlight impressive outcomes, with 94% of surveyed students reporting improved self-esteem. Furthermore, a remarkable 100% of after-school program seniors have graduated high school and gone on to attend college, underscoring the program's effectiveness in paving pathways to higher education and future success. These statistics are a testament to the dedication of their "great teachers and stuff," as echoed in customer reviews, who are committed to nurturing both artistic talent and personal growth. For anyone seeking to support a local initiative that genuinely transforms lives through the arts, or for parents looking for a highly beneficial program for their children, Everybody Dance LA! is an exemplary choice.

Everybody Dance LA! strategically places its programs within the communities it serves to maximize accessibility. While their mailing address is 3183 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 196 #K22 Los Angeles, CA 90010, and their programs operate across various sites, the specific location referenced for the studio is 222 E 16th St Suite E, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA. This central Los Angeles address positions it within a bustling and vibrant urban environment, making it a key hub for providing dance education to local youth.

For those relying on public transportation, the studio's location in the 90015 zip code is exceptionally well-served by Los Angeles' extensive Metro system. Numerous bus lines and potentially light rail stations are likely within comfortable walking distance, providing convenient access from various parts of the city. This accessibility is paramount to Everybody Dance LA!'s mission, ensuring that transportation barriers do not prevent underserved youth from participating in high-quality dance programs.

If you plan to drive, the studio's position on E 16th Street offers straightforward routes via major city thoroughfares. Its proximity to downtown Los Angeles also means relatively easy access from major freeways such as the 10 (Santa Monica Freeway) and the 110 (Harbor Freeway), making it reachable from a wider area of Los Angeles County. As with most urban areas, street parking might require some searching, especially during peak hours, so it's advisable to allow a little extra time. The placement of the studio within a suite suggests a dedicated and professional space, providing an optimal environment for students to learn and enjoy a "variety of dances," as noted by enthusiastic parents.

Everybody Dance LA! offers a comprehensive array of high-quality dance education programs and services designed to foster artistic skill, personal growth, and community engagement for youth aged 4-19. Their core offerings include:

• After-School Dance Program: A flagship program operating in dedicated dance studios within low-income neighborhoods, providing consistent, high-level technical dance instruction in a supportive environment.
• In-School Dance Program: Professional Teaching Artists bring dance directly into schools across Los Angeles throughout the academic year, integrating creative movement and physical activity into the regular curriculum.
• Summer Dance Sessions: Intensive 4-week summer programs for both new students and returning participants, allowing exploration of various dance forms and accelerated learning.
• Diverse Dance Styles: While specific curricula may vary by program, students learn a "variety of dances," encompassing styles like ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance, as evidenced by general program descriptions.
• Student Leadership Team: A program for middle and high school students focused on developing leadership skills, college readiness, and community engagement.
• Student Teacher Education Program (STEP): Provides older students with opportunities to serve as Teaching Assistants, gaining valuable job skills, understanding accountability, and learning pedagogical approaches.
• Student Office Internship: Offers middle and high school students practical experience in office administration and the operations of a non-profit organization.
• Audition-Based Programs: For dedicated students (typically ages 8 and up), including Ballet Conservatory (intensive classical ballet, pointe, variations) and Performance Companies (Hip Hop and Jazz), offering advanced training and significant performance opportunities.
• Mentorship Program: Connects middle and high school students with mentors to discuss academic, career, and personal goals, fostering long-term development.
• Performance Opportunities: Students frequently perform in local community events and school showcases, celebrating their achievements and sharing their art.

Everybody Dance LA! is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its profound impact and unique standing within the Los Angeles community:

• Mission-Driven Excellence: Founded in memory of Gabriella Axelrad, the organization's core is to transform lives through high-quality dance education for underserved youth, instilling high expectations and fostering lifelong skills.
• Exceptional Teaching Artists: Praised in various reports as "some of the best children's dance instructors in the world," these professionals ensure top-tier dance training.
• Holistic Development Focus: Beyond just dance technique, the programs cultivate collaboration, discipline, self-expression, self-confidence, and a strong sense of belonging, building well-rounded individuals.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Demonstrates significant impact with 94% of students reporting improved self-esteem and 100% of after-school program seniors graduating high school and pursuing higher education.
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion (EDAI): Actively works to provide a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment that celebrates all differences and provides the necessary support for every participant.
• Extensive Community Reach: Annually serves thousands of youth across Los Angeles through its in-school and after-school programs, making a broad and deep impact.
• National Recognition: Received the prestigious National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014, affirming its national significance and effectiveness.
• Comprehensive Program Structure: Offers a clear progression from foundational classes to advanced conservatory and performance opportunities, catering to various interests and skill levels.
• Positive and Nurturing Environment: Reviews consistently emphasize a supportive atmosphere with "great teachers and stuff" where "kids enjoy and learn."
• Strong Community Focus: Engages families and builds a strong sense of community, ensuring youth thrive in a supportive network.

For more information about Everybody Dance LA!, their programs, or how to support their vital mission, please contact them using the details below:

Address: 222 E 16th St Suite E, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

Phone: (213) 365-2491

For locals in the California region, particularly those residing in Los Angeles, Everybody Dance LA! is an exceptionally suitable and impactful organization for numerous compelling reasons. Its strategic location at 222 E 16th St Suite E ensures it is highly accessible to the communities it serves within Los Angeles, making it easy for youth to attend classes consistently. This local presence is fundamental to their mission, as it removes common barriers to high-quality arts education for children in underserved areas, allowing them to participate in programs right within their own neighborhoods.

What truly makes Everybody Dance LA! ideal for locals is its profound dedication to holistic youth development, as echoed by the positive customer reviews. The phrase "Best place for kids to enjoy and to learn your variety of dances great teachers and stuff" perfectly encapsulates the core value proposition for families in Los Angeles. Children are not only receiving excellent dance instruction but are also in an environment that fosters enjoyment, confidence, and discipline, guided by "great teachers" who care deeply about their growth. The reported outcomes of improved self-esteem and 100% high school graduation rates for after-school seniors directly translate into tangible benefits for local families, contributing to a stronger, more capable future generation within the city.

Furthermore, by engaging with Everybody Dance LA!, local residents and families become part of a larger community effort to uplift and empower youth through the transformative power of dance. It's a local non-profit that directly invests in the potential of Los Angeles' young people, providing them with creative outlets, physical activity, and crucial life skills. For any Californian looking for a meaningful way to enrich their children's lives or to support a cause that makes a tangible difference in their local community, Everybody Dance LA! stands as a powerful and highly recommended institution.

Everybody Dance LA!

222 E 16th St Suite E, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA