The Healthy Benefits of After-School Dance Programs for Children
- calidanzaco
- Dec 17
- 4 min read
How School Partnerships Like Calidanza’s Help Students Thrive
In today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world, families and educators are increasingly seeking meaningful after-school programs that support children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and academic success. Research consistently shows that high-quality after-school programs play a critical role in child development — and dance-based programs are among the most impactful.
At Calidanza Dance Company, we are proud to partner with schools and districts throughout the Sacramento region to provide after-school folklórico and cultural dance programs that do far more than teach movement. These programs help children grow stronger, more confident, more connected, and more engaged in school and in their communities.
Why After-School Programs Matter for Kids
According to the Afterschool Alliance, students who participate in structured after-school programs demonstrate:
Improved academic performance
Better classroom behavior
Higher attendance rates
Increased social and emotional skills
A large-scale evaluation by the Harvard Family Research Project found that students involved in consistent after-school programs are more likely to stay engaged in learning and develop positive relationships with peers and adults.
When these programs include physical activity and the arts, the benefits increase even further.
Dance as a Powerful Tool for Physical Health
Dance is a full-body activity that builds strength, coordination, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes dance as a form of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that helps children meet daily movement recommendations.
For elementary and middle school students, regular participation in dance can help:
Improve balance and motor skills
Support healthy weight management
Increase bone density and muscle strength
Reduce sedentary behavior after school
Unlike some competitive sports, dance is inclusive and adaptable, allowing children of different abilities to participate and succeed.
Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Benefits
Beyond physical fitness, dance programs offer powerful mental and emotional health benefits. Studies published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health and Arts Education Policy Review show that arts-based after-school programs improve:
Self-confidence and self-expression
Emotional regulation
Stress reduction
Sense of belonging
Dance provides children with a safe outlet to express emotions, release energy, and build confidence in their bodies and identities — especially important during key developmental years.
For many students, after-school dance becomes a space where they feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Cultural Connection and Identity Development
Calidanza’s programs are rooted in Mexican folklórico and cultural dance, offering students more than movement — they gain cultural literacy, historical awareness, and pride in heritage.
Research from the National Endowment for the Arts shows that culturally relevant arts education strengthens identity development and increases student engagement, particularly for Latino and multicultural youth.
Through music, costume, storytelling, and regional dance styles, students learn discipline, teamwork, and respect for tradition while developing a deeper connection to their communities.
Academic and Attendance Benefits
Multiple national studies indicate that students enrolled in consistent after-school programs show improved academic outcomes. A longitudinal study by RAND Corporation found that students in quality after-school programs had:
Higher school attendance
Improved homework completion
Better attitudes toward school
Because dance programs encourage discipline, listening skills, and goal-setting, these habits often carry over into the classroom.
Educators frequently report that students who participate in Calidanza’s after-school programs show increased confidence and engagement during the school day.
Calidanza’s School Partnerships in Sacramento
Calidanza proudly partners with school districts, charter schools, and community organizations throughout the Sacramento area to bring high-quality after-school dance programming directly to students.
Our programs currently serve or have served schools within districts such as:
Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD)
Twin Rivers Unified School District (TRUSD)
Washington Unified School District (WUSD)
Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD)
San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD)
Some of the schools where Calidanza programs are offered include:
AM Winn K–8
Bowling Green Elementary
Cesar Chavez Elementary
C.K. McClatchy High School
Grant High School
Harkness Elementary
Hollywood Park Elementary
Mark Twain Elementary
Nicholas Elementary
Sequoia Elementary
Smythe Elementary and Smythe Middle School
Washington Elementary
West Campus High
Florin Elementary
William Land Elementary
Calidanza has also historically partnered with schools such as Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy and Rio Linda High School, expanding access to arts education across grade levels.
Equity and Access Through School-Based Programs
One of the most important benefits of after-school partnerships is access. According to the Afterschool Alliance, low-income families often face barriers to extracurricular participation due to cost and transportation.
By embedding dance programs directly within schools, Calidanza helps ensure that students — regardless of background — have access to high-quality arts education in a safe, familiar environment.
This school-based model increases participation, consistency, and long-term impact.
Long-Term Success and Lifelong Skills
Children who participate in after-school arts programs are more likely to remain engaged in creative activities later in life. Studies show increased graduation rates and civic engagement among students exposed to consistent arts education.
Dance teaches transferable life skills such as:
Commitment and discipline
Teamwork and leadership
Time management
Confidence in public performance
These skills support long-term success both in and outside the classroom.
Bringing Dance to Your School
Calidanza continues to expand its after-school programs throughout the Sacramento region. We work closely with school administrators, districts, and parent organizations to design programs that meet each community’s needs.
If you are a parent, educator, or administrator interested in learning whether your school offers Calidanza programs — or how to bring one to your campus — we invite you to connect with us.
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