Dance 4 Joy Ministries

Training Up The Next Generation To Proclaim The Gospel In Dance

Dance 4 Joy Ministries (D4J) was founded in 2007 to provide a Christ Centered dance space for local youth to become joyful dancers with excellent training who then serve by bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all in their communities and the world through DANCE. OC is known for its celebration of the arts, but never before has a space existed to cultivate dancers in all dance genres with excellence whose purpose is the Proclaim the Gospel. Never before has a dance space existed, without competition, providing scholarships to any dancer in need, with the core values of:
humility, discipleship, integrity, unity, hospitality, excellence, and joy. (https://www.dance4joy.org/values)

Now in its 18th Season, D4J is more aware every day of the need for His Joy in this next generation. With scripture, Christian music, prayer, and acts of service, 250+ dancers a week are in our communities shining the Light of Christ everywhere they go.

Top Three Accomplishments in 2024

- 655 Dancers In Classes and Camps Annually - 40% attending on partial or full scholarships
- 39 Evangelistic Outreach Events in Community Annually - 5200+ people in attendance
- 20K Matching Gift Grant from Mission Increase resulting in 100 New Donors and 27% increase total giving annually

Top Three Goals for 2025

- Growing NEW In Studio and Outreach Program Offerings for Dancers Ages 2-6yrs old while sustaining overall growth rate of all classes at 25% annually
- Increase Community Visibility by 25% from 5200 to 6500 people reached with the Gospel in Dance
- Increase Donor Base with 125 NEW donors including: acquiring new recurring donors, increasing Major Donor Gifts through Family Foundation Gifts, DAFS, QCDS, and Appreciated Assets Gifts, obtaining new matching gifts & grants

Top 5 Needs

#1 - Maintain and Expand Scholarship Program - Currently $45K Annually - this number has doubled in the last two years, so projected need in 2026 is $60K

#2 - Maintain and Expand Evangelistic Outreach Program - Currently $52.2K Annually

#3 - Develop NEW Little Ones Programs for ages 2-6yrs - $24K Annually

#4 - Facilities - Dance 4 Joy is growing out of current training facilities space - We are actively seeking larger facilities and the possibilities to own our own building for the growth of the ministry in the next 10-20yrs. Immediate Cost $120K annually in rent increase, future cost of buying our own building unknown at this time.

#5 - Management - Dance 4 Joy is in need of a teacher training program as well as expanding hours for all Executive Leadership to full time status (Admin Director, Director of Development, Artistic Director, Communications and Marketing Director). Annual Cost Increase - $177K

Orange County, CA

As the Founder and Executive Director, serving almost 20yrs in OC, I believe Dance 4 Joy Ministries is the best training ground for young Christ-centered dancers who are committed to proclaiming the Gospel in a variety of dance genres. That’s because Dance 4 Joy Ministries:

- has highly qualified professional Executive Leadership and Dance Staff, with a growing committed Champion Donor Team and Volunteer Team

- creates an environment of joyful worship in every class using Christian music, prayer, and scripture with our Joy Transformation Model and Core Values of Humility, Discipleship, Integrity, Unity, Hospitality, Excellence, and Joy.

- provides valuable outreach and evangelical performance experiences monthly so dancers can go out in community and proclaim the Gospel in dance.

Our dancers train daily to be: Joyful, Inclusive, Mission-minded, Inspired, Creative, Prayerful, Unique, Passionate, Caring, Artistic, and Humble.

God is transforming lives, and as Executive Director I am committed to the personal and executive growth it will take to bring Dance 4 Joy to the next level of serving in the Name of Christ. I am deeply thankful for my Coach from EC of OC who has given me new tools to forge sustainability for the future. I am currently pursuing my CFRE credential through UCI Nonprofit Management Coursework, and as an organization, we have completed the 2 year Organizational Health Program with Sacred Harvest and receive regular training from Mission Increase and Association for Fundraising Professionals.

Christy Hernandez, Founder and Executive Director
Dance 4 Joy Ministries

I am deeply honored and excited to be in the position of Chairperson for Dance 4 Joy Ministries. Throughout my business career, I enjoyed the opportunity to be a chairperson on the boards for Cypress Chemical Company Inc. and Intercem Corp. I believe this leadership experience, along with a continuing education in nonprofit management, will help Dance 4 Joy achieve the goals outlined in our mission statement.

The first event I attended was the 2023 Gala. I had no preconceived notions of what Dance 4 Joy was all about. Little did I know the Holy Spirit was about to take me on a journey I never expected. The spiritual beauty expressed through dancing was amazing. I was astonished by the joy and hope emanating at the event. A few weeks later I was asked to join as a board member.

Since then, my love and passion for Dance 4 Joy continues to increase. I am eager to contribute my efforts towards advancing the mission of Dance 4 Joy and working collaboratively with fellow board members, the executive leadership team, staff and volunteers.

Together, we will continue to foster an environment of growth, innovation, and positive impact for the organization and the community we serve. I will do my best to bring dedication, integrity, and passion to create a positive environment to help reach our strategic goals.

Phillip Paradiso, Board Chair
Dance 4 Joy Ministries