Our Mission

Yes, You Can Dance! enhances the physical and emotional well being of individuals and communities through social dance experiences.

Our Organization

Yes, You Can Dance! was founded by Rebecca Stern in 2011, with the mission of using dance to support wellness for those with special needs, disabilities, and chronic degenerative diseases. We join dance professionals with specialists in behavioral health, healthcare, and special education in order to design appropriate curriculum for a variety of different programs.

Our team of highly trained dance instructors teach a curriculum designed for each specific population, in ongoing consultation with a specialist knowledgeable about that population’s therapeutic needs. Program participants are paired with volunteer  “dance mentors” or “dance hosts” who function as dance partners throughout the curriculum under the supervision of the instructor.

Yes, You Can Dance! began operations with its Special Needs Ballroom Program designed for adults and teens with intellectual challenges and/or disabilities. We also serve seniors through the Senior Social Program where professional dance instructors and volunteer dance hosts work with seniors at varying levels of physical activity.