Dance in Schools and Communities

Established in 1979, Dance in Schools and Communities (DISC) was created in response to an expressed need for arts instruction in the public schools that would also provide a means of access, education, and opportunity for students of diverse cultural backgrounds. DISC currently provides a free interactive movement program to over 3,500 students in 36 San Francisco Unified School District Elementary Schools. Approximately 70 percent of DISC students are from non-white populations.

DISC teaches about dance and music from around the world. Students learn the fundamentals of dance movement as well as authentic classical and folkloric dances appropriate for children. Specific learning goals are set in accordance with both California and national standards for learning in the arts.

DISC also offers a scholarship program for continued study at the San Francisco Ballet School for approximately 65 new students recruited from the in-school program annually. Of the current student enrollment in the San Francisco Ballet School, 25 percent are current and former DISC students.