We are committed to our work in New York City public elementary schools that are under-resourced in dance, arts, and physical education. We believe that all students deserve an equitable holistic elementary education that is arts and dance-enriched, collaborative, appropriately challenging, and emotionally supportive and affirming.


Dance and arts teaching and learning, when integrated throughout the daily school curricula, support students’ multidimensional achievement. Our evidence-based dance and literacy model supports the growth and achievement of youth from economically challenged backgrounds.

Students with nonverbal, kinesthetic, and nonlinear learning styles require different teaching approaches. Our approach to experiential learning integrates creative movement and critical reflection through Socratic discourse and dance journal writing.

We have a proven track record for delivering high-quality programming. Research studies have shown improvement across our students’ academics, emotional and social learning, self-confidence, creative problem-solving, writing, vocabulary, and physical well-being.

MDD’s Community Reach: