our impact
‘We Develop Talent and Broaden Horizons, One Child at a Time.’
Dance Institute of Washington is a leading dance equity organization in D.C.. Our work goes beyond the studio to build artistic excellence and drive social change, revolutionizing the professional dance industry at every level. We are not just developing a new pipeline of dancers; we are disrupting systems, challenging racist practices, and eliminating discriminatory decision-making. Our exemplary efforts impact racial and economic equity in dance locally, nationally, and globally.
The Need for Our Work
- The Problem: In D.C., 51.5% of students are economically disadvantaged, and 34% of youth families have no parental figure with secure employment.
- The Solution: Students with high arts participation are 5X less likely than their peers of low socioeconomic status to drop out of school. Students who engage in intensive arts in high school are also 3X more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree.
“You have helped hundreds of boys and girls discover their strengths, their grace, their spirit, and you have given them wings to fly.”
Our Impact By The Numbers
45,000+
$65K+
1,000+
95%
80%
20+
Community Partners
Our Approach in Action
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- Partnerships & Community Engagement: We extend our reach through partnerships with D.C. Public and Charter Schools, DPR sites, and community-based organizations, providing arts education and holistic support to youth across the city.
- Global Exchange: DIW leads cultural exchanges and teacher training in places like the Dominican Republic, Canada, South Africa, and Uganda. This provides dance education and youth support on a global stage through cultural and artistic exchange.
“Ballet’s diversity problem isn’t new, but some of the promises to fix it are. The Dance Institute of Washington has seen what happens when words accompany action.”