About – Everybody Dance LA!

Everybody Dance LA!

Inspired by the life of Gabriella Axelrad

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Everybody Dance LA! transforms lives and communities through the power of high-quality dance education in low-income areas of Los Angeles. Professional Teaching Artists, described by the LA Times as “some of the best children’s dance instructors in the world,” bring high quality dance instruction to thousands of youth ages 4-19, instilling high expectations and cultivate the lifelong skills of collaboration, discipline and self-expression.

Mission

Everybody Dance LA! transforms lives and communities through the power of high-quality dance education in low-income areas of Los Angeles.

Vision

To cultivate in our young students of dance the lifetime skills of collaboration, discipline and self-expression so they become confident and engaged participants in their education, career and community.

Values

High expectations. We expect focus and commitment from our youth, and our youth in return expect the best of themselves.

Potential. We believe in the innate strength, creativity and potential of every young person we serve.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. We respect all people and perspectives and strive to provide the support every person needs to fully participate.

Safe Community. We believe a safe environment that engages the whole family makes it possible for youth to thrive.

Our History

Everybody Dance LA! was founded in 1999 by Liza Bercovici in memory of her 13-year-old daughter Gabriella Axelrad, who loved to dance. The organization was originally called The Gabriella Foundation, home of the Everybody Dance! program. Liza had a vision to bring the joy and impact of dance to low-income communities in Los Angeles. She started with 25 students in the MacArthur park neighbor and the creative insights of founding Artistic Director Carol Zee. The program grew rapidly and expanded to include the In-School, Summer and Enrichment programs.

Today Everybody Dance LA! serves more than 4,000 students annually with high-quality dance education. In 2014 Everybody Dance! was awarded the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from Michelle Obama. In 2015 Liza founded the award-winning Gabriella Charter Schools. She is now the Executive Director of the GCS charter schools and both organizations work to enrich the lives of Los Angeles youth.

Our Impact

94%
Students surveyed reported improved self-esteem
96%
reported an increased sense of feeling supported by family and community

96%
100%
of after-school program seniors graduated from high school in June and will attend college in the fall!