DancEd Steps Up
Afterschool Program
The goal of the DanceEd Steps Up Afterschool Program is to identify talented students and provide the intensive instruction and support, free of charge, that will allow them to pursue a professional career in dance.
The program is audition-based, and a limited number of students are selected to participate each year. Students must be committed to the program and desire to train for a number of years at San Pedro Ballet School to accomplish a professional level. The program is free to participants.
Meet Carlos, Age 9
"I found out about the DancEd Steps Up program at career day when Mrs. Cindy came over and got me to think about it. It made me feel a little more confident to start dancing because she told me I had a lot of potential. When Mrs. Cindy told me that the program wasn’t just for girls it was also for boys, I was convinced to do the audition.
I’ve enjoyed being able to dance in an artistic way and to be able to dance with other people. I like to be artistic, and I like to create new moves at home, but I’m shy to do it in front of a lot of people. I took YMCA hip hop, but only once a month. I even practiced at home with my own moves. I felt blessed when Mrs. Cindy told me I could take any class I was interested in. I’ve always wanted to learn how to jump high like ballet dancers, and now I have a chance.
I didn’t think I was going to be able to do any type of dance because of the money. So when I found out I was accepted, I was super excited! I felt special, like I was famous because I would get to dance and get to be on stage. I feel exotic because I get to dance, and not everyone gets a chance to take classes like this. I didn’t really think this could happen to me—it is like a dream come true."
Program Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors. Click here for more information about supporting this program.
– Allegro ($5,000 and above) –
The Rich Charitable Foundation
Scott Donnelly and Wade Nishimoto
Chuck and Marylyn Klaus
– Arabesque ($2,500) –
Carolina and Jeff Brown
Dr. Matthew and Roberta Jenkins
Steve Kleinjan, Clean San Pedro
John and Donna Papadakis
Marsela McGrane-Vogel and Bill Vogel
– Pointe ($1,000) –
Jim and Mary Armor
The Boys and Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor
Sharon Jassy
Liz Johnson
Megan Moore
Helene Rosenzweig
Shauna Bain Smith and Hudson H. Smith III
– Contributions and In-Kind Donations –
20 Eyes
Matthew Accardo
Drs. Curtis & Melanie Adams
Amalfitano Bakery
Becky & Nick Campbell
Baby Cakes Baking Company
Dr. Rose Marie Banks
Jane and Robert Bard, Jr.
Robert Borden
Bristol Farms
Anthony Cigliano
City of Los Angeles
Cruz Furniture
Susan Taylor Davis
Dr. Minnie Douglas
Ms. Rhonda Dowdy
Fleur de Lis Artistry in Flowers
Keith Gibbs
Nick Gingold
Adam Gonzalez, Image Realm
Elayne Grgas
The Happy Fundraiser
Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Hardin
Greg and Kristen Hetzer
Neal Horowitz
Linda Howat
Ms. Clarice Kavanaugh
Claudia Kreis
Last Minute Florist
Le Mar Photography
Dr. Solomon and Annette Little
Ms. Valerie Little
Willie and Berlie Little
Mayer’s Bakery
Michael Farmer Photography
Michael’s Tuscany Room
Thomas Nix
One Hour Photo, Etc.
Palos Verdes Art Center
PDM CPAs
Pearl Foundation
Polly Ann Bakery
James and Andreda Pruitt
Thomas and Barbara Robinson
Richard and Jo-Ann Scandaliato
Victoria Sessler
Niya Rae Sheppard
The Siegel & Friend Foundation
Ret. Ltc. David and Bertha Sightler
Sal Sorrentino
Kristen Stafford
Jenn VanBeveran
Sam Velazquez
Stephanie Petrofanis-Vezzuto and
Robert Vezzuto
Warner Grand Theatre
Robert T. Wolfenden