Since 1983, Saint Joseph Ballet has been changing lives. By integrating year-round dance training with academic assistance and family services, Saint Joseph Ballet offers a creative alternative to youth who might otherwise fall victim to destructive behaviors such as taking drugs or joining a gang. Youth who participate in Saint Joseph Ballet’s programs gain self-confidence, improve their grades and acquire skills that help them graduate from high school and attend college at a significantly higher rate than their peers nationally.

Located in Santa Ana, California, a city that leads the nation in urban hardship, many of the 400 students who attend Saint Joseph Ballet each year live with parents who work two or more jobs, and share a small one or two bedroom apartment with other relatives or families.  For parents struggling with the pressures imposed by poverty, it can be difficult to provide the time and resources their children need to achieve successful and productive lives.  That’s where Saint Joseph Ballet comes in. Through the generous charitable contributions of individuals, corporations and foundations, students receive much needed programs and support.  Nearly all students participate free of charge.

Youth can attend Saint Joseph Ballet from the 4th through the 12th grade.  By taking progressively challenging dance classes taught by highly trained instructors, students’ dance skills and performing abilities grow year after year.  Dedicated staff and volunteers who serve as mentors and role models help students gain self-confidence and guide them in making healthy life choices.  One-on-one tutoring and college prep assistance encourage students to attend college and maintain the grades they need to do so. And through regular family workshops, seminars and counseling, Saint Joseph Ballet helps parents become an important part of their child’s success.

But Saint Joseph Ballet’s work doesn’t stop at high school graduation. During college, alumni continue to receive mentoring and guidance from staff, older alumni and community volunteers.  And all students who participate with Saint Joseph Ballet through high school and graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA are eligible to receive scholarship support from Saint Joseph Ballet.  Since 1998, 93 percent of Saint Joseph Ballet’s high-school graduates have gone on to college or pursued professional training in the arts.  By 2008, Saint Joseph Ballet anticipates that more than 180 of its alumni will either be attending college or will have graduated – most the first in their families to do so.

As it nears its 25th anniversary, Saint Joseph Ballet’s vision is expanding to embrace the strength of its alumni.  They are future volunteers, supporters, employees and board members who are graduating from college and joining the workforce in fields such as engineering, education and the arts.  These alumni are Saint Joseph Ballet’s strongest advocates and greatest proof of the success that happens at Saint Joseph Ballet day after day, year after year. 

As long as Saint Joseph Ballet is able to continue fulfilling its mission, at-risk youth will be able to continue leaving behind a life hindered by poverty’s imposing obstacles, and embrace a life filled with hope and opportunity.