STEPS FOR YOUTH
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Mission Statement
We educate, inspire, and enrich lives through dance.
About This Cause
Our mission is to educate, inspire and enrich lives through dance. We strive to engage with our community by; partnering with local schools, encouraging creativity in a safe environment and providing opportunities and resources for youth of all backgrounds. Steps for Youth’s (SFY) leadership team consists of Women of Color who know first hand how meaningful it is for students to see themselves reflected in their teachers and leaders. SFY values the importance of representation and we employ a roster of teaching artists and staff who are racially diverse and who reflect the community we serve. BIPOC YOUTH DANCE PROGRAM This 10-month long program is carefully designed to provide a safer space for students of color to learn and grow in a dance studio environment. We strive to share a program where students build self-confidence, are eager to learn from their teachers and foster positive engagement with their peers. History of the BIPOC Youth Dance Program (written by founder Mia O’Connor-Smith): This seed was planted out of the need in my community. In 2017 I got a call from a mother that got my number from my former teacher Steve Gonzalez. We worked together to build a program and in April 2017 we spread the word to our community. I began with 30 students and since the genesis of this program it has impacted many more families. In 2019 students performed at Headwaters Theater with grant support from the Regional Arts and Culture Council. Steps PDX was the last place I rented studio space from. They appreciated what I was doing and wanted to implement the program into the school as well as provide funding support. I taught for their non-profit, Steps for Youth, at a Youth Day of Dance event and in March 2022 we launched the BIPOC Youth Dance Program serving 30 children. During the 2022/2023 school year, the program has increased to 42 students, 3 teachers and multiple dance styles (Ballet, Creative Movement and Tap). It is beautiful! DANCEABILITY DanceAbility is a dance class for all people including people with and without disabilities, mixed abilities and mixed dance experiences. Dancers learn improvisational movements and dance using the DanceAbility method in an inclusive environment. SCHOLARSHIPS Steps for Youth offers scholarships to students who demonstrate natural abilities and have the passion to pursue dance professionally. Students attend weekly classes, participate in performances, workshops and summer intensives. Whether children are inspired to participate recreationally or driven to follow a professional path, Steps for Youth strives to uplift students and create a more inclusive art form. COMMUNITY EVENTS We offer donation based community dance events for youth throughout the year. The day is filled with movement based classes and healthy snacks and water are provided. Events include, Youth Day of Dance, Full Circle and more. PERFORMANCES All students who participate in SFY programs are invited to perform each year at Portland State University, Lincoln Hall. Performing in a theater in front of a live audience brings communities together, gives students experience on a stage in a supportive environment and educates youth on an array of career paths within the arts. Learn more about our programs: https://www.stepspdx.com/donate Follow us on social media: @StepsPDX Press and Media: https://www.stepspdx.com/press-media DanceAbility Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlxPTPDYdPA