What we do
Dance can empower young lives.
With support from world-renowned artists, we bring dance programs to young people facing illness or socio-economic hardship.
Our mission
We create inclusive spaces where children and teenagers can discover the freedom, confidence, and joy that dance brings. Whether through hip-hop, ballet, or contemporary styles, we believe movement has the power to transform lives. Our objectives are to:
Give access
Bring dance to children and teenagers affected by illness, poverty, displacement, or other barriers that limit access to the arts.
Advocate
Champion dance as a force for change by sharing stories of dancers whose lives and communities have been uplifted through movement.
Supporting children and teenagers
Bringing dance for children into hospitals
We bring joy to young patients through live performances by professional dancers. In collaboration with hospitals, we set up performance spaces – or bring the show directly to a child’s room, ensuring no one is left out.
Bringing dance for children into schools
Partnering with schools and local nonprofits, we offer weekly dance sessions that build toward youth-led performances. These programs help grow discipline, focus, teamwork and self-confidence – skills that extend far beyond the dance floor.
Our collaborators
We’re deeply grateful to the remarkable individuals and organisations who trust and collaborate with us. From world-class dancers to hospitals, schools, individual donors, and both private and public institutions, together, we continue to create opportunities and lasting memories for children and communities around the world.
supported our creative programs in schools in Seine-Saint-Denis from 2022 to 2025.
supporting our programs and events in schools and hospitals since 2022.
supported our 2024/25 highschool program in Clichy-sous-Bois, France (93).
supporting our activities in Belgium since 2023.
supported our Alice and Ora programs in 2023 and 2024 and the production of the “Alice” documentary.
supported the Alice program in Seine-Saint-Denis in 2024.
supported the Alice and Ora programs in London for two years, for a group of school children aged 6 to 8.
supporting our activities in both schools and hospitals since 2022.
our organisation being based in Alsace, it is natural to be closely bound with Ballets du Rhin. The dancers performed for children at the hospital in Mulhouse.
we have the privilege to be advised, mentored and inspired by the wonderful team of the Royal Ballet.
supported our activities in hospitals in Strasbourg and Mulhouse.
supported our 2023/24 program in Clichy-sous-Bois, France, (93).
our partner since 2018. We regularly offer dance performances at HôpitaL Necker, which was the first hospital to welcome our dancers. Thanks to its wonderful team, the hospital feels like a second home to Dance Can Do.
Coffra Group is a Franco‑German B Corp™ focused on responsible consulting and advisory services.
They support Dance Can Do to help young people unlock confidence, creativity, and connection through dance.
Our story so far
What Dance Can Do was founded to celebrate the transformative power of dance. Beyond its physical benefits, dance nurtures emotional well-being and cognitive growth – making it a powerful investment in the future of children and communities. We believe every child deserves access to the life-changing joy of dance and music.
Research shows its impact: dance is used in Parkinson’s treatment, and studies from the University of California reveal that both dancing and watching dance stimulate brain activity linked to learning.
Dance Can Do reveals how dance moves beyond performance – healing wounds, lifting spirits, bridging divides, and giving voice to those too often unheard.
Why Dance Matters Dance is more than movement, it’s empowerment, healing, and connection. It nurtures physical health, creativity, and emotional well-being.
The Problem We’re Solving 80% of children worldwide lack sufficient physical exercise (WHO). Many also face barriers to arts access due to financial, cultural, and systemic constraints.
Our Impact Over 900 children and teens have benefited from our programs in 9 countries, gaining confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Benefits of Dance – As a Sport Improves motor skills, physical health, and self-esteem.
Benefits of Dance – As an Art Fosters creativity, emotional expression, and cultural awareness.
Evidence & Advocacy “Dance provides physiological and psychological benefits to healthy and medically compromised populations.” (Systematic Review, 2022)
Education Matters “Basic education is not enough. Leaders must guarantee free, quality primary and secondary education for every child, thinking bigger, even if it seems impractical or expensive.” (Adapted from Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Lecture, 2014)
Our Belief Dance changes lives. We believe every child deserves access to it.