Our Mission

To develop a community that empowers children through traditional ballroom dance as an inspiration for hope, confidence and fun.

Dancing with the Students, a 501(c)(3) Private Operating Foundation, offers ballroom dancing to students in schools in underserved areas, with no budget for the arts.

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Our Values

We are an all inclusive organization that does not discriminate in any way against race, gender and/or religious beliefs.

Our History


Dancing with the Students began in 2005 at the Gesu School in Philadelphia, PA, with two classes of fifth graders.
At the end of the Week 10 Grand Finale, the students were asked, “What did you learn?” Three students’ hands went up.
A ten year old boy replied, “Respect for women.”
A ten year old girl replied, “I have more confidence.”
A ten year old girl replied, “I know how to waltz now!”
And just like that, Dancing with the Students was born. As we enter into our 20th year, thousands of students have danced their way into our hearts, in three different states, in close to 30 schools.

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Our Teachers

Dancing with the Students would not be the success it is without the many gifted professional artists in our company. We have many award winner actors, dancers and choreographers in our dance family.

Susan Martinelli Shea
Susan Martinelli SheaPresident and Founder
 K. O'Rourke
K. O'RourkeDirector of Programming / Lead Ballroom Dance Instructor
Kiersten M. Adams
Kiersten M. AdamsDance Instructor
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Testimonials

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