Dance to Dreams
Opening Doors Through Dance
Dance to Dreams is Westside Ballet’s annual community outreach initiative dedicated to expanding access to classical ballet for young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. By removing financial barriers and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment, the program gives students the opportunity to discover the joy, discipline, and artistry of dance.
Since launching in 2022, Dance to Dreams has grown into an annual summer workshop that welcomes students from across Los Angeles. What begins as a free week of dance often becomes the start of a much longer journey. Each year, participants who demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment, and potential are invited to continue their training through scholarship opportunities at Westside Ballet. Several Dance to Dreams students have gone on to receive year-round scholarships, allowing them to continue their ballet education and become part of the Westside Ballet Academy.
Dance to Dreams is more than a summer workshop—it is a pathway to opportunity. Whether a student continues their ballet training or simply discovers a lifelong appreciation for dance, our goal is to ensure that every participant leaves feeling confident, inspired, and empowered to dream bigger.
Dance to Dreams 2026
Free Ballet Workshop, Monday–Friday, August 3–7, 2026
Dance to Dreams is a free, week-long introductory ballet workshop for students who are curious about dance. No previous dance experience is required. Throughout the week, participants explore ballet, creative movement, music, and artistry in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment led by Westside Ballet faculty and guest artists. The workshop is designed to introduce students to the beauty of ballet while building confidence, encouraging creativity, and fostering a love of movement.
Every participant receives:
- Professional ballet instruction
- Complimentary ballet shoes
- Dance t-shirt
- Healthy lunch each day
- Transportation assistance for families who need it
There is no cost to attend, however, we ask that registered students commit to attending the full week.
Pre-Primary–Primary C Curriculum
Classes are offered for each age from 3–6, allowing students to progress through a carefully structured curriculum that builds upon the previous year’s training.
Beginning with creative movement and imaginative exploration, students gradually develop coordination, musicality, rhythm, spatial awareness, classroom skills, and confidence while learning foundational ballet concepts including turnout, positions of the feet, port de bras, and introductory ballet vocabulary.
By the end of the program, dancers have established the technical foundation and class etiquette needed for advancement into the Lower Division.