Dancing Grounds (DG) and the Contemporary Arts Center are set to host the 2024 Dance for Social Change (DSC) Festival, titled “Rhythms of Recovery: The Pathways from Coping to Healing for New Orleans Youth.” This two-day event, taking place on May 16 and 18 at the Contemporary Arts Center, is designed and led by New Orleans youth and serves as the culmination of the DSC Teen Company’s year-long exploration of the impact of violence on young people and the transition from coping to healing.
The festival will feature the premiere of “Rhythms of Recovery,” a multi-disciplinary performance by the DSC Teen Company that reflects the youth’s vision of healing for themselves, their families, and their communities. This initiative highlights the power of creativity and shared expression as tools for empowerment and healing through the arts.
Dancing Grounds is a community-based organization that uses dance as a vehicle for social change. They provide a supportive environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can express themselves creatively and engage in critical conversations about social justice.
Supported by local institutions such as the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund and The Helis Foundation, the DSC Festival will engage numerous teens from across the city as both audience members and participating artists. The event aims to elevate the creative talents of New Orleans youth and provide a platform for their voices.
Festival Schedule
May 16, 6-10:30 p.m.: Performance Premiere
- 6 p.m.: Patron Party
- 7 p.m.: Film Screening, Performance, Panel Discussion, and After-Party
May 18, 9 a.m. -3 p.m.: Family Day
- A day dedicated to celebrating youth, offering wellness resources, and providing free classes for all attendees.
Tickets for the Performance Premiere night are available for purchase, while the Family Day event is free to the public. Due to limited space, RSVPs are recommended.
For tickets and more information about the festival, visit Dancing Grounds or the Contemporary Arts Center here.
Dance for Social Change Fest
