Our Story

OUR MISSION

To empower individuals of all abilities to build a stronger sense of self through dance and the arts.

OUR Vision

To spread Down For Dance across the globe so that all abilities have access to high quality dance and arts programming.

core values

CONNECTION:

We connect the Down syndrome commUNITY and all abilities through movement and art.
We advocate for inclusion and celebrate diversity by fostering a sense of belonging.
We strive to make our programming accessible to all.

EXPANSION:

We are shifting the community’s perspective at large as to what IS possible when you have a different ability.
We use creativity and collaboration to guide us through all our work, as it can illuminate infinite possibilities and ideas.

heART:

We practice and preach kindness, empathy and compassion.
We cultivate an environment where artists feel safe to take risks & express what is truly in their hearts.
We believe in celebrating hard work and accomplishments of all sizes.
We encourage everyone to TRY, while highlighting the importance of FUN!

COMMITMENT

TO SELF: We value self-care and cultivate an environment where this is a priority.
TO OTHERS: We lead with integrity, which in turn nurtures the gift of deep mutual respect.

WHO WE ARE

DOWN FOR DANCE (DFD) is driven by a deep passion to develop and offer high quality arts programming to those populations where it is not always accessible.

In the summer of 2017, DFD became a nonprofit organization, with 2 weekly in-person dance classes serving about 20 dancers total.

Jumping to this year and as we look ahead towards our 7th BIRTHDAY, we are humbled by the growth. Growth that would not have been possible without the support of our DFD commUNITY.

DFD currently serves over 180 students across 22 states, with both an in-person and online program. With the launch of our online program in summer 2020, we were able to expand beyond dance & now also offer art & yoga.

Our classes provide so many important benefits. Here are just a few:

Physical exercise & movement
Provides an emotional outlet through artistic expression
Increase strength, balance & coordination
Gain self-confidence
Make new friends!
Social interaction & connection

And they do this all while having FUN!

With a global vision, we stand strong in our commitment to continue to expand this program in order to achieve even greater accessibility. Follow us on our journey and join our creative party. We can't wait to meet you! #areyoudown

TESTIMONIALS

My daughter Lili is a very social, very active 19 year old. When the pandemic hit last year she was in her senior year at Anderson High School in Austin Texas and maintaining a very full and busy schedule of school work, participating in her high schools KEY club, Dance club, and Theatre organization as well as swimming and doing Zumba once a week. So, needless to say, last March when we were all suddenly dealing with the Covid-19 stay at home restrictions she struggled with adjusting and I struggled to find meaningful online activities that would keep her engaged and fill her days. One amazing online outlet we found was the PALS program. Lili had hoped to attend her first PALS camp in the summer but that was cancelled so we started participating in their online zoom activities. In late spring, they shared a flyer advertising the Down For Dance online Summer program. These classes worked well with our schedule and I was eager to sign Lili up for things that I thought she would enjoy and would keep her physically active. Little did I know that the Down For Dance organization, its teachers/directors, and her sweet, sweet DFD classmates would not only become a highlight of our summer but would prove to be a very important ongoing part of Lili’s Covid lockdown world. She is currently in her third semester and has taken Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Warrior 21(yoga) and Ballet and has absolutely loved them all.

Lili has taken in person dance classes in the past but we have always run into the issue of very low expectations and a very low bar. Assumptions are often made regarding what a person with DS will be able to do and because of these preconceived notions the classes were often just not challenging, exciting or age appropriate. This is definitely not the case at Down For Dance. DFD classes are structured like a regular dance (or yoga) class with a thorough warm up, challenging choreography (or yoga practice) and an increase in difficulty as the classes move forward week to week. During class students are spoken to with respect, treated like the young adults that they are, and are expected to participate fully and to the best of their abilities. Close attention is paid to proper technique and instruction and corrections are clearly communicated. There is also, however, a serious “fun factor” component to every class and each teacher’s love of both their job and their students is palpable in their words of encouragement, positive support and sheer energy. This combination of high expectations, fun filled and engaging content and caring instruction affords our kids what every parent of a child with special needs wants most - the opportunity for them to reach their full potential.

PLUS, as a really sweet cherry on top, Lili has friends from all over the country now!

We are so very grateful to have found DFD during these strange uncertain times. And, though we may not know how long we will be restricted to the world of “online only” activities we definitely know we will be sticking with DFD for the duration and beyond.

-Nora Salinas, Parent

Kayla has been dancing with Down For Dance for the past two years, since the program was created. We are so thankful for DFD where Kayla can live out her passion for dance and be surrounded by adults and peers who also share in her love for dance. It is difficult to find dance programs that are appropriate for children with Down syndrome in the community. We love DFD as it doesn’t “water down” or make it too easy, but challenges our children with good choreography and presents high expectations of the dancers. DFD has taught Kayla how to follow directions in class, interact with others appropriately, learn choreography, and have helped improve her gross motor skills. She has also learned about performing on stage and the professionalism of a dancer. The past year, Kayla was given the opportunity to be Ms. Sari’s assistant in the Orange County hip hop class. This was a huge honor and Kayla took pride in her new role in class. This opportunity taught Kayla leadership skills and also developed her interpersonal skills. Additionally, this role motivated her to be a good role model for some of the younger dancers. We wish more children with Down syndrome can partake in the program as it has been a huge blessing to Kayla and our family! We love DFD and are so grateful for the program!

-Diana Yoo, Parent

We could not be more thankful for Down For Dance…Mollie dances with DFD 3 times a week and has learned SO MUCH including how to follow choreography and how to perform with a team. Because of these skills, Mollie was invited to join her school's typical cheer squad as the only cheerleader with special needs!…She has grown by leaps and bounds socially since she started dancing with this amazing group… We look forward to many more years as a part of the Down For Dance family.

-Heather Tuggle, Parent & Volunteer

Annie and Sari met while both were involved in a past passion project and have been working side-by-side ever since. For different reasons they have both drawn towards dancers within the Down syndrome community, and so DOWN FOR DANCE was created.