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 all local youth to experience the joy of dance, with excellence in training, who then serve their communities by being a moving proclamation of God's Love in Dance. OC is known for its celebration of the arts, but never before has a space existed to cultivate dancers in all dance genres at all levels whose purpose is the Proclamation the Gospel. Dance 4 Joy Partners in outreach with local schools, churches, and nonprofits to serve all youth, including neurodivergent and at promise youth, in learning centers, foster care, those battling homelessness, and young girls facing the devastating effects of hyper-sexualization in dance. Dance 4 Joy is committed to providing a safe space without competition or comparison for all where dancers who can't afford training can also receive scholarships. Everything we do is centered around our core values of humility, discipleship, integrity, unity, hospitality, excellence, and joy. (https://www.dance4joy.org/values)

Now in our 19th Season, D4J is more aware every day of the need for Joy in this next generation. With scripture, Christian music, prayer, and acts of service, 200+ dancers a week are in our communities shining the Light of Christ everywhere they go.

Top Three Accomplishments in 2026

- 300+ Dancers In Classes and Camps Annually - 40% attending on partial or full scholarships
- 36 Evangelistic Outreach Events in Community Annually - 5200+ people in attendance
- 40K Matching Gift Grant from Private Donors and $20K in Grants for new outreach programs resulting in potential 300 New Dancers being reached in the next school year.

Top Three Goals for 2026

- Growing NEW In Studio and Outreach Program Offerings for Dancers Ages 2-10yrs 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 75 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 $65K Annually - this number has doubled in the last two years, so projected need in 2027 is $90K

#2 - Maintain and Expand Evangelistic Outreach Program - Currently $80K Annually

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

#4 - Facilities - Dance 4 Joy has acquired a NEW Studio Space launched Aug 31, 2026 - Immediate Cost $120K increase annually in rent increase.

#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