Nearly 3500 fifth grade students from 35 schools throughout Los Angeles County are competing for the title of Conga Kids Spring Dance Champion. Out of all of the participating students, the top 170 students will convene at Microsoft Square at L.A. Live on Wednesday, May 23, to dance for the championship trophy.
Founder and co-owner of The Conga Room, Brad Gluckstein, created Conga Kids as a 501(c)(3) non-profit arm of the Conga Room, LA’s renowned music and dance venue. The transformative dance curriculum develops students’ creative potential and sets a foundation of respect, teamwork, confidence and leadership.
Conga Kids utilizes a standards-based program that teaches students five partnership dances Merengue, Swing, Salsa, Tango, and Fox Trot. Participating school districts include Los Angeles Unified, Beverly Hills Unified, Lynwood Unified, Pomona Unified, Mountain View and El Monte City School Districts.
Students participating the program take classes twice weekly over 10 weeks with expert teaching artists who aim to explore dance in a global context. Each program concludes with a public culmination ceremony and dance “competition” across multiple schools where children have the opportunity to perform and celebrate their accomplishments.
“Conga Kids is guided by its mission and passion for delivering a quality arts education that affects students beyond the classroom,” said Gluckstein. “We are committed to serving communities strongest hit by budgetary cuts. This commitment includes teaching dance and life skills in underserved communities with the greatest need for our transformative program.”
Following the dance championship, a fundraising gala for Conga Kids will be held at The Conga Room in support of next year’s countywide program. To donate to Conga Kids and to participate in the fundraising gala, visit the “Donate” tab on congakids.com.
