Mission

Dancing Dreams is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a three fold mission: to provide dance classes and performance opportunities for children ages 3-21 with medical or physical challenges, to enhance leadership skills and self esteem of teen volunteers, and to provide community outreach and education in the area of disability awareness and tolerance.

Activities

The Dancing Dreams Leadership Program is designed for highly- motivated, responsible, and passionate students between the ages of 13 and 18 who are willing to commit at least one hour of their time each week from September through May. These teen “Helpers” are paired one-on- one with a dancer with whom they work closely at weekly class and at an annual spring performance, thus helping turn our dancers’ dreams into reality. All Helpers are also required to attend semi-annual workshops that are designed to enhance teamwork, promote leadership skills, and facilitate critical thinking about their volunteer experience at Dancing Dreams. There are currently over 170 teen Helpers enrolled in the Leadership Program who come from many different high schools across NYC and Long Island.

Eligibility