Heart of Dance

In the heart of Minnesota, a remarkable organization is using the power of social dance to transform lives and build stronger communities: Heart of Dance. This Minneapolis-based nonprofit is dedicated to bringing the profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits of partner dance to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Inspired by the award-winning documentary "Mad Hot Ballroom," Heart of Dance focuses on empowering youth, seniors, veterans, and other individuals facing various challenges, fostering confidence, respect, and connection through the joyful art of movement.

For Minnesotans seeking programs that offer more than just recreation, Heart of Dance provides a deeply impactful experience. They believe that social dance is a powerful platform for teaching essential life skills and promoting social-emotional learning (SEL). Their flagship program, Dancing Classrooms, brings ballroom dance directly into fifth and eighth-grade classrooms, offering a unique curriculum that integrates dance with academic subjects like social studies, math, English, and art. This innovative approach helps students develop teamwork, discipline, empathy, respect, and conflict resolution skills, all while learning exciting dance forms like Merengue, Tango, Rumba, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Swing. It's a testament to their vision that they have already served over 1,760 fifth-graders in 80 classrooms across the Twin Cities, doubling their capacity in just their first two years, with a significant percentage of participating students being of color.

The positive impact of Heart of Dance is clearly reflected in the heartfelt testimonials. One reviewer enthusiastically states, "This is a wonderful organization that provides an incredible service to the Youth of Minnesota. The volunteers are amazing." This highlights not only the quality of their programs but also the dedication of the individuals who make their mission possible. Their commitment extends beyond youth, with programs also designed for seniors, like "Dance for Life," which combines music and movement to strengthen balance and cognitive function. Heart of Dance embodies the spirit of community and positive change, using dance as a universal language to bring people together and enhance their well-being.

Heart of Dance is located at 3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA. This address places the organization in a vibrant and accessible part of Minneapolis, making it convenient for residents across the city and surrounding areas to engage with their programs or support their mission. Minnehaha Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation whether you are driving or utilizing public transportation. The central location in Minneapolis allows Heart of Dance to reach a broad demographic, aligning with their goal to serve diverse communities.

The physical space, which is also home to the historic Tapestry Folkdance Center, benefits from features specifically designed for dance, such as wooden dance floors. This location underscores Heart of Dance's integration into Minnesota's rich dance community, providing a welcoming and suitable environment for their transformative programs. Its accessibility ensures that more youth, seniors, and other community members can benefit from the unique opportunities offered by this impactful nonprofit.

• Dancing Classrooms: A foundational in-school residency program for fifth and eighth-grade students, offering a 10-week (20-lesson) course in social ballroom dances like Merengue, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Swing, and Waltz (and Salsa for middle school).
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration: Dance instruction is interwoven with lessons on respect, etiquette, teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution, fostering crucial life skills.
• Cultural Awareness: Students learn about the historical and cultural origins of each dance and the countries they come from, promoting global citizenship.
• Curriculum Integration: Teaching artists collaborate with classroom teachers to connect dance lessons with various academic subjects (language arts, math, social studies, geography, music, physical education, visual arts).
• Colors of the Rainbow Team Match: A city-wide competition where students showcase their learned dances before a panel of professional ballroom dance judges, fostering performance skills and confidence.
• Dance for Life: A program designed for senior adults, focusing on the healing powers of music and movement to improve balance and cognitive function, and to foster community connection.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Various ways for community members to get involved, including classroom assistants, ambassadors, or professional buddies.
• School Site Visits: Opportunities for interested parties to observe programs in action, such as "Steppin' with Class."
• Future Program Expansion: Plans to extend social dance benefits to veterans and other individuals facing mental, emotional, or physical challenges.

• Mission-driven organization focused on transforming social and self-perception through partner dance.
• Co-founded by experienced professionals Andrea Mirenda (ballroom dance educator) and Ember Reichgott Junge (former Minnesota State Senator).
• Inspired by the "Mad Hot Ballroom" documentary, bringing a globally proven program to Minnesota.
• Proven impact on student confidence, cultural awareness, gender respect (by eliminating gender-specific dance roles/language), and connection with classmates.
• Collaboration with classroom teachers ensures seamless integration into the school curriculum.
• Emphasis on transforming lives "one student, one dance step at a time," creating positive societal change.
• High percentage of participating students from diverse backgrounds (e.g., 79% of students of color in their first two years).
• Offers free programming to students in partner schools, ensuring accessibility regardless of socio-economic status.
• Engaging events like the Colors of the Rainbow Team Match provide students with performance opportunities and a sense of accomplishment.
• Expanding beyond youth programs to serve seniors and plan for veterans and other at-risk communities.
• Strong commitment to community engagement and volunteer involvement.
• Registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, allowing for tax-deductible contributions.

Address: 3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA

Phone: (651) 330-3750

Mobile Phone: +1 651-330-3750

For residents of Minnesota, particularly those in the Twin Cities metro area, Heart of Dance is an exceptional and highly suitable organization to support and engage with. Its profound commitment to transforming lives through social dance aligns perfectly with the community-minded spirit often found in the state. If you are a parent seeking enriching, character-building activities for your child that go beyond just physical exercise, or a senior looking for engaging ways to stay active and connected, Heart of Dance offers truly impactful programs.

The Dancing Classrooms program, delivered directly into local schools, provides a unique opportunity for Minnesota youth to develop crucial social and emotional skills—like respect, empathy, and teamwork—through a joyful and culturally rich medium. This not only enhances their academic experience but also prepares them for life's challenges. Similarly, the Dance for Life program for seniors addresses the vital needs of an aging population, promoting physical and cognitive well-being through dance. Furthermore, for anyone in Minnesota passionate about contributing to positive community change, Heart of Dance provides meaningful volunteer opportunities. By fostering confidence, connection, and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures through the universal language of dance, Heart of Dance truly serves as a valuable heart of the community, making it an excellent choice for local engagement and support.

Heart of Dance

3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA