ArtBeat LI Youth Programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.