LA Youths Unite In Rhythm and Empathy

-By Tom Muller

On October 10th, Dance and Dialogue hosted an inspiring All-City workshop at the Wallis for over 450 diverse Los Angeles youths.

This pivotal event, part of the nonprofit's commitment to cultural understanding, featured instructors from "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars." Focusing on leadership, 80 selected students from various schools delved into societal topics and participated in dance masterclasses led by experts Jeff Thacker and Dmitry Chaplin.

Ricka Kelsch, the organization’s founder, captured the essence of the gathering: “By bringing teens together under one roof with this one common interest, walls crumble, and for this moment in time, there is no fear of judgment or acceptance. These bright students are paving the way forward to a better future for all!” The event highlighted dance's role in breaking social barriers and building empathy and self-confidence.