About Our Outreach
Programs

 

Mission

Through an inclusive lens, we cultivate a community of belonging.

Malashock Dance’s Arts Integrated, Outreach Programs bridge the gap between academics and dance to cultivate creativity, enhance critical thinking, and foster a deeper understanding of a wide range of subjects.

History

Established in 1988, Malashock Dance has facilitated partnerships with over 25 schools and institutions. We have served over 40,000 students, including over 2,000 students with an average of 85% low-income participants throughout the San Diego community.

Our programs are dedicated to reaching underserved communities, including individuals with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds who may not have readily available access to free or affordable arts programs.

Contact Outreach Program Manager,  Nicole Diaz-Pellot at [email protected] for program inquiries  

Community Impact

  •  According to San Diego Unified School District’s demographic profiles, nearly 95% of students participating in Malashock Dance Education Outreach programming qualify for free or reduced-price meals and approximately 12% have Individual Education Plans (IEP) due to developmental disabilities. Over 70% of the students participating in Malashock Dance Education Outreach programming are minorities.
  • The San Diego Unified School District has made approximately $5 million in reductions to the budget over the past five years. As a result, many in-school arts programs have been eliminated. Malashock Dance is capable of meeting this need by combining resources while drawing on community support for innovative programming.
  • Malashock Dance has also identified the need for increased physical activity in order to address the increasing rates of childhood obesity in San Diego. Approximately 20.4% of children ages 5-20 were overweight in San Diego in 2002, which is an increase of 55% from 1992 (Pediatric Nutrition Survey for California and San Diego, 2002). Due to reductions to the San Diego Unified School District budget, many schools have eliminated Physical Education instructors, which resulted in less physical activity for students. Standards-based learning in dance addresses the need for moderate to vigorous physical activity which will dramatically reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
  • Malashock Dance addresses a need for hands-on learning opportunities seldom incorporated into traditional school instruction. Often, hidden strengths and leadership qualities surface during creative activities like dance class and allow unlikely students the opportunity to shine.

Upcoming Events

Check out a schedule of our upcoming performances and events.

About Our School

The School at Malashock Dance illuminates the power of dance as an invaluable part of the human experience. We love seeing students light up with passion and excellence and thrive in a community where they belong.. We offer classes for humans of all ages, skill levels, and abilities.

The school offers a place for artists to expand what dance can do alongside nurturing dance as a tool for lifelong learning.

Dance belongs to everyone. Come find your place with us!

View Adult Dance Class Schedule

View Youth Dance Class Schedule

What People Are Saying

“With Malashock’s help, my dancer has found dance that takes her beyond what she knew and toward what she now knows she can accomplish.”

“Rachel C creates an incredibly welcoming atmosphere for all levels, & has helped me re-enter the dance world with her patience, modifications, simplifications, & explanations of the movements. She both embodies and encourages self-acceptance and self-love, which is inspiring to see in a world where so many are self-critical and self-conscious of their appearance and movement competence.”

“…A friend suggested we try Malashock, it was perfect. Classes challenged my dancer but didn’t overwhelm. Teachers helped find what she wanted in a dance school. And the staff was willing to work with us as we found the right dance classes. From the first day, my granddaughter has been enthusiastic and I have been rewarded with her joy.”

“My favorite things about Natalia’s class is her individual, one on one corrections,

her use of multiple modern techniques (Graham, Limon, and Horton) and how her choreography is very diverse.

Some days choreo is flowing and lyrical, other days it is rhythmic isolations and athleticism.”

“My girls had a blast and their experience has been so positive…[The oldest] has especially had such a great experience and has really grown so much through Malashock’s Classes and Programs”

“Maria’s class supports a range of dancers, and she masterfully breaks down complex jazz moves into understandable movement. Her music selection is diverse and inspiring. We always leave feeling accomplished and like we got a great workout!”

“Rachel T.’s dedication, compassion, & warm energy lend to a safe, joyful space to dance & to nurture the soul. She is truly an amazing dancer, teacher, & human, and I can’t thank her enough for helping me grow as a dancer.”