Our Youth Programs
Our youth programs introduce students to social dance as a joyful, collaborative experience. Through movement, music, and cultural exploration, students build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging — while staying active and having fun.
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Grades 4–8 | 10 weeks, 20 sessions
The Dancing Classrooms Social Ballroom program is ArtBeat LI’s most popular and widely recognized youth offering.
During this 10-week residency, students are introduced to a variety of iconic social dances such as merengue, foxtrot, swing, waltz, tango, and rumba. Lessons are carefully structured to ensure that all students can participate and succeed, regardless of prior dance experience or learning style.
In addition to learning dance technique, students explore the cultural and historical origins of each dance form and practice working collaboratively with their peers. The program encourages confidence, cooperation, and mutual respect, while providing much-needed physical activity during the school day.
The residency concludes with a Culminating Event, where families and school communities are invited to witness students’ growth and celebrate their achievements.
Visit dancingclassrooms.org to learn more about the history of this renowned program.
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Grades K–3 | 8 weeks, 16 sessions
Designed for younger students, Dancing with Rhythms & Stories introduces the basic elements of dance through creative movement, music, and storytelling.
Students explore rhythms and movement patterns from social and folk dances around the world, collaborate to create dances, and learn about different cultures while celebrating their own creativity. The program supports coordination, communication, and imaginative expression in a way that is playful, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Visit dancingclassrooms.org to learn more about the history of this renowned program.
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These programs offer students the opportunity to explore a wide range of social dance styles such as merengue, salsa, bachata, swing, and more in a relaxed, high-energy setting.
After-school and summer programs provide a space for students to decompress, stay active, and connect with peers. Programs can be offered as short-term introductions or extended over multiple semesters to support skill-building and leadership development.
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Grades 4–5 (following a Social Ballroom residency)
Colors of the Rainbow is an annual celebration that brings together students from partner schools across Long Island to share their dance skills and participate in a large-scale, family-friendly dance social.
The event includes friendly team-based competition and culminates in a celebration where each team earns a bronze, silver, or gold medal — similar to the event featured in the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom. The day emphasizes teamwork, pride, and community connection.
Visit dancingclassrooms.org to learn more about the history of this renowned program.
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ArtBeat LI offers custom-designed workshops tailored to specific classroom goals or themes. These workshops integrate dance, music, and cultural exploration to support learning across subject areas.
Examples include:
Dance-based workshops for world language learners
Programs connected to Social Studies, English, or cultural heritage themes
Short-term residencies lasting 1–2 days or multi-week experiences
We collaborate closely with educators to design workshops that align with their curriculum and students’ interests.
Our Adult Programs
ArtBeat LI’s adult programs are designed to promote movement, connection, and lifelong learning in a welcoming and supportive environment.
From custom workshops and adult date night programs to our well-respected Silver Edition program, we have something fun for anyone.
Silver Edition
Silver Edition is an artist-led residency program for adults aged 55 and up that uses social dance to support physical well-being, social engagement, confidence, and self-expression. The program also aims to reduce social isolation and foster meaningful connection through shared movement experiences.
Residencies are typically presented over six or more weeks, with one 45–60 minute session per week, and can be offered in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.
Participants explore a diverse range of social dances influenced by Cuban, Latin American, Northern European, and African American traditions, including merengue, rumba, foxtrot, waltz, tango, swing, salsa, cha cha, and line dances. Sessions also include discussion of the music and cultural history behind each dance, as well as time for reflection and storytelling.
The program is accessible to individuals of all abilities. Movement options are available for participants who prefer or require seated instruction, and no previous dance experience or partner is needed.
Optional culminating activities can be incorporated to allow participants to share the experience with family and friends.
Silver Edition supports:
Physical activity, balance, and flexibility
Social connection and confidence
Cultural appreciation and lifelong learning
Stress reduction and cognitive engagement
Silver Edition is available for libraries, senior centers, community centers, assisted living facilities, Ys, religious organizations, arts councils, and health-related settings.
Interested in a Program?
ArtBeat LI works closely with schools, community organizations, and partners to design programs that meet their needs.
Contact us using the form below to learn more about our programs or to bring ArtBeat LI to your school or organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, we have programs for K-2, 4th-8th grades, plus the Silver Edition program for older adults. In addition, we can create programs for youth and adults “from 9 to 90”!
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No previous dance experience is required.
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Yes, there is a fee for each of our programs to cover the cost of the Teaching Artist(s). Note that most schools pay for our program with assistance from a grant and/or BOCES and/or their PTA, and some community organizations may receive grants as well.
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The cost depends on the number of courses, i.e. the number of periods we are teaching the lessons. We encourage schools to schedule the lessons during consecutive class periods as we do charge for breaks > 1 hour.
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