Dancing Grounds

Developing young leaders. Promoting health & wellness. Advocating for social change. Dancing Grounds (DG) is a multigenerational arts space that brings inclusive and accessible dance programs to New Orleans residents of all ages. Since 2012, DG has become a driving force for arts and education in New Orleans and a hub for the local dance community, serving over 3,500 youth, 5,500 adults, and countless audience members.

Dancing Grounds was founded in 2012 to bring the benefits of dance to New Orleans residents of all ages. What began as a grassroots, all-volunteer effort in a living room has become a driving force for arts and education in the city. With youth dance companies, summer camps, and the annual Dance for Social Change Festival, we create safe and inclusive spaces in which the lived experiences of youth are truly valued and their unique creative talents are recognized, developed, and celebrated. We also host the most comprehensive adult dance programs in the city. Our work is guided by a set of core values: equity, racial justice, integrity, relationships, learning, collaboration, abundance, and joy.

Dancing Grounds provides physically and artistically rigorous dance training in Modern, Hip Hop, and African-diasporic dance forms with a focus on social-emotional development, physical health, leadership skills, and social justice for youth as well as community classes for adults ranging from Salsa fitness to somatic improvisation.

Testimonials

"Dancing Grounds is a model for fighting against oppression. Our dance studios feel like a truly safe space where we can authentically express who we are as young artists and release our stresses amongst a loving community of peers and adults." - Anonymous

"Dance for Social Change has helped me grow as an activist in my community" - Amira M., DSC/DG Uprising

'I am now a Freshman at NOCCA. Dancing Grounds' Summer camp helped me get there." - Dan G., DSC/DG Uprising