Dance Start expands arts education access for young children across San Diego County through dance, movement, and creative expression classes. In 2025, the program served more than 620 students ages 3–12.

What began as a small initiative grew into a team of eight teaching artists working across eight schools and community centers: King Chavez Academies, Neighborhood House Association, Easterseals Head Start Centers, and the Pacific Beach Recreation Center.

The program focuses on building confidence, creativity, coordination, and joy through accessible arts education opportunities for children who may not otherwise have access to dance programming.

Growing demand led Summer Intensive sessions at Pacific Beach Recreation Center to sell out, with plans underway to expand to eight weeks next summer and launch new partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America locations in Oceanside and Solana Beach.