Dance Arts Academy Foundation
PROGRAMS
Beyond Barriers: School Residency Program
Beyond Barriers is Dance Arts Academy Foundation's signature in-school residency program that brings culturally responsive arts education, leadership development, wellness, and social-emotional learning directly into underserved schools and communities. Through movement, music, storytelling, and performance, students develop confidence, resilience, self-expression, and a deeper connection to their identity while strengthening collaboration, creativity, and leadership. The program culminates in a community performance celebrating student growth and achievement.
2,000+ youth served
5 ongoing school and community partnerships in Orange County
7 emerging teaching artists mentored and employed
100% of programs designed to integrate arts education, leadership, wellness, and social-emotional learning
Title I schools and underserved communities served throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County
Community Dance & Wellness Programs
Dance Arts Academy Foundation's Community Dance & Wellness Programs harness the transformative power of movement to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being for youth, teens, adults, seniors, and women in recovery. Through culturally responsive dance, fitness, mindfulness, and community wellness experiences, participants build confidence, reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and develop meaningful connections. We place a special emphasis on supporting at-risk youth and women on their healing journey by creating safe, inclusive spaces where movement becomes a pathway to recovery, self-expression, hope, and personal growth. Together, these programs cultivate healthier individuals, stronger families, and more connected communities.
200+ community members engaged through dance, arts, fitness, and wellness programming.
3 ongoing community partnerships supporting year-round community wellness initiatives.
4 community activations hosted annually to promote arts, culture, health, and community connection.
5 free community dance, movement, and mental wellness workshops offered each year.
Programs designed to support at-risk youth, women in recovery, adults, seniors, and families through movement-based wellness.
Community-centered programming integrating dance, fitness, mental health, cultural preservation, and social connection throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County.
Summer Dance & Enrichment Program
Dance Arts Academy Foundation's Summer Dance & Enrichment Program provides free, high-quality arts, dance, fitness, and wellness experiences that keep youth active, creative, and engaged during the summer months. Through movement, cultural arts, leadership activities, and social-emotional learning, students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and continue learning in a safe, supportive environment at no cost to children or their families.
600+ youth engaged annually in free summer dance, fitness, and enrichment programs.
Partnerships with the City of Santa Ana and the City of Tustin to expand access to high-quality summer programming.
100% free for participating children and families, eliminating financial barriers to participation.
Programs integrate arts education, physical activity, leadership development, wellness, and social-emotional learning.
Safe, enriching summer experiences that reduce learning loss, encourage healthy lifestyles, and foster creativity, confidence, and community connection.
Emerging Choreographers & Professional Development Initiative
The Emerging Choreographers & Professional Development Initiative invests in the next generation of dance artists by providing rehearsal space, professional mentorship, stipends, dancers, and performance opportunities that help transform creative ideas into impactful works. Through ongoing coaching, networking, leadership development, and artistic support, local choreographers gain the resources needed to refine their craft, expand their careers, and contribute to a thriving arts ecosystem in Southern California.
7 emerging choreographers and teaching artists supported through mentorship and paid professional opportunities.
Free and affordable rehearsal space provided to remove financial barriers for local artists.
Professional development workshops focused on choreography, teaching, entrepreneurship, leadership, and career advancement.
Stipends and access to dancers provided to support the creation and presentation of new work.
Ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities connecting artists with schools, community organizations, and performance venues.
Strengthening Orange County's creative economy by cultivating the next generation of culturally responsive dance educators, choreographers, and artistic leaders.
CONTACT
Dance Arts Academy Foundation
165 Cozumel
Laguna Beach , CA 92651
Sakina Ibrahim
Phone: 9499297966