WHO WE ARE
B Inspired D.A.N.C.E. Foundation (BIDF) is primarily based in Los Angeles and was founded by Executive Director and Instructor, Brooke Ivory, after a lifetime of dance training and 15 years of teaching, coaching and mentoring various age groups. After exploring her own emotional intelligence and healing she recognized the critical importance of students learning about their emotions and developing good character in order to lead successful lives, and the organic connection between Social-Emotional Learning (SEL/SECD) and Dance. Brooke is a certified* SEL/SECD educator that guides students through personal engagement, helping students and their communities thrive with BIDF. BIDF partners with school districts and other organizations to bring SECD, dance and wellness education to students during and after school as well as over school breaks.
2nd grade students performing at the Oasis Arts Festival at 24th Street Elementary School in Los Angeles.
3rd grade class at San Pedro Elementary in Los Angeles.
What we DO
This Program offers 3 variations:
- During School
- After School
- Extended- Day (During School Breaks)
Currently, registration is only open to 2nd - 5th grade students. Students who have completed a previous program session will get priority access to register for sessions in the 6th through 12th grade. If a student completes 3 consecutive sessions leading up to high school graduation, they will be eligible to receive a scholarship to attend a trade school, college or university of their choice.
Why we DO it
Growing up is hard with societal pressures, social media, the pandemic, an underserved demographic and difficult household circumstances. Youth encounter daily challenges which affect their ability to make positive choices, understand their emotions and know how to regulate them in order to develop a healthy sense of self. Challenges may show up in disruptive classroom behavior, isolation, lack of motivation, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Offering an extracurricular athletic arts program is a significant way to introduce youth to personal and social skills as well as positive role models.
B Inspired D.A.N.C.E. Foundation (BIDF) provides space for students to express themselves and discover their natural gifts and talents. BIDF is a community based after-school and extended day dance program utilizing the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) frameworks of Social-Emotional Learning and Character Development (SEL/SECD) in a manner that is aligned with dance education provides a foundation for transformation and growth.
Occurring outside of school hours when student's typically have idle time to develop good wellness habits, confidence, emotional intelligence, discipline, problem solving and responsibility. BIDF emphasizes Social-Emotional Learning CASEL competencies: self-awareness, social awareness, building relationships, problem solving and regulating emotions. It is vital to address social emotional needs at a young age to instill the necessary tools to understand and manage emotions, build and maintain positive relationships, make good choices and foster a sense of community. Students are more successful and become well-healed adults.
The intent of B Inspired D.A.N.C.E. Foundation is to provide instruction, transportation, a safe space, snacks and class materials to Los Angeles Unified School District students in the South LA area. Students will opt-in and register online for the programs that will take place on a district or university campus.
* Degrees & Certifications: Brooke received a Bachelors degree in Health and Human Sciences from Colorado State University and a Masters Certification in Social-Emotional and Character Development from Rutgers University.
Visit the link below to learn more about Brooke's professional artistic career.