SOCAL ARTS DANCE THEATRE

SoCal Arts Dance Theatre exists to expand access to inclusive, culturally responsive dance education for youth throughout Monrovia, the San Gabriel Valley, East Los Angeles, and nearby Inland Empire communities. Through high-quality dance training, mentorship, and performance opportunities, we help young people overcome barriers to arts participation and grow in confidence, belonging, discipline, and lifelong creative expression.

Founded and led by Artistic Co-Directors Laura Alexich and Jekyns Pelaez, SoCal Arts Dance Theatre was built from a shared commitment to creating excellent arts education close to home in an environment where every student feels seen, safe, and supported. As working artists, educators, and mentors deeply rooted in the communities we serve, we understand the challenges many families face, including cost, transportation, limited access to arts instruction, and the need for inclusive learning environments for youth with disabilities and diverse learning styles.

Our programs combine disciplined, sequenced dance training with culturally grounded artistic experiences that reflect the identities and lived experiences of our students and families. Rooted in classical ballet and enriched by folkloric, Afro-Latin, contemporary, and youth-driven styles, our instruction honors the history, storytelling, and cultural traditions behind every movement. We believe dance is not only an art form, but also a pathway to self-expression, cultural connection, leadership, and community belonging.

Community voice guides our work. We collaborate with families, schools, guest artists, and local partners to shape performances, outreach, and educational experiences that are welcoming, relevant, and accessible. Through bilingual communication, mentorship-centered teaching, scholarship opportunities, and free classes for boys, we strive to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts.

At SoCal Arts Dance Theatre, we believe every child deserves access to meaningful artistic experiences that inspire confidence, celebrate identity, and empower creative courage for life.

Join us for the 2026–2027 season as we continue our mission of bringing the transformative power of the arts to youth and communities through the In-Step Program. Your tax-deductible donation helps provide inclusive arts education, meaningful mentorship, and life-changing creative opportunities that inspire confidence, connection, and self-expression for the next generation.