Louis Dancing Classrooms, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development through the art of social dance. Our mission is to empower young people, foster respectful interactions, and build teamwork in St. Louis area schools by addressing the social and emotional needs of the whole child.
Founded in 2008, DMSTL has grown to serve some 30 schools from across St. Louis City and County, spanning 22 zip codes, and reaching approximately 1000 students annually. Centered on providing the internationally recognized Dancing Classrooms program, as featured in the documentary film Mad Hot Ballroom, Dance Moves STL partners with upper elementary classrooms to deliver a proven, arts-integrated residency experience. In twice-weekly sessions, students learn a variety of ballroom and social dances—including the Merengue, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Swing, and Waltz—while also developing key life skills such as cooperation, empathy, respect, and confidence.
Our Teaching Artists, trained in the Dulaine Method and Dancing Classrooms curriculum, work closely with classroom teachers to integrate dance with academic content and social-emotional learning goals. Through writing assignments and personal reflections, students gain insight into their growth, relationships, and learning experiences—both on and off the dance floor.
Together with our school partners, DMSTL creates joyful, respectful, and inclusive learning environments—one dance step at a time.
