Making Dance Accessible: A Chat with Sarah Balda of Dance Arts Center

Welcome to Beyond the Steps

This week, we’re diving into an important and inspiring topic: how we can make dance and the performing arts safe and accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background. We had the privilege of chatting with Sarah Balda, the passionate non-profit studio owner of Dance Arts Center in Florida. Sarah shared her journey, insights, and mission to make dance a space for all.

From Passion to Non-Profit: Sarah’s Story

Sarah’s path to leading a non-profit dance studio stems from her own experience growing up with limited access to dance due to financial constraints. After years of teaching and working in for-profit dance, she transitioned her studio to a non-profit to open doors for more funding opportunities and community support.

“Dance has shaped who I am today,” Sarah explained. “I want everyone who dreams of dancing to have the chance to experience it.”

She pursued a Master’s degree in non-profit administration to deepen her understanding and sharpen her tools for running an impactful organization. Her advice? Don’t be intimidated by the non-profit world—it’s all about the mission and community impact.

Debunking Non-Profit Myths

There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to non-profits, especially in the dance world. Sarah tackled some big ones:

• Quality Concerns: People often think non-profits mean lower quality, but that’s not true. “Non-profits are mission-driven,” Sarah said. “We can—and do—deliver high-quality programs. Our focus is on serving our community, not just making a profit.”
• “No One Gets Paid”: Another common myth is that non-profits rely solely on volunteers. While volunteers play a vital role, non-profits like Dance Arts Center ensure staff are compensated fairly. “Paying our staff appropriately is essential to providing quality services,” Sarah noted.

Accessibility at the Forefront

Sarah’s passion for accessibility shines through every aspect of Dance Arts Center:

• Scholarships and Affordable Tuition: “We keep our tuition at or below market rate and offer scholarships to help students from all walks of life access dance,” Sarah shared.
• Low-Cost Dancewear: Through their “State Left” program, the studio collects gently used dancewear and offers it for free or at a low cost, helping families overcome barriers to participation.
• Bringing Dance to Communities: The studio’s “Brevard Dances” program takes dance directly to youth programs, eliminating transportation challenges for families.

Redefining Studio Culture

Dance Arts Center is non-competitive, focusing instead on training and community performances. For students who want more than recreational classes but don’t wish to compete, Sarah created a performance-based dance company. These students showcase their talents at charity events and local performances, providing meaningful opportunities without the high cost and pressure of competition.

“We’re not just creating great dancers,” Sarah emphasized. “We’re shaping well-rounded individuals.”

Safety and Inclusivity

Sarah believes in investing in her dancers’ well-being, starting with top-notch facilities. Dance Arts Center’s sprung wood floors and Marley surfaces are designed to prevent injuries and protect dancers’ long-term health.

The studio also promotes a modest, professional dress code and has partnered with Apolla Performance to incorporate Apolla Shocks into their uniform for added support and injury prevention.

A Lifelong Mission

Sarah’s commitment to accessibility and safety is rooted in her love of dance and her belief in its transformative power. “Dance is more than technique—it’s about confidence, connection, and self-expression,” she said.

Her approach is a beautiful reminder of why dance matters. In a world of competitions and social media highlights, Sarah stays focused on what’s truly important: creating opportunities for everyone to experience the joy and growth that dance brings.

Sarah’s work is an inspiring example of how dance studios—whether for-profit or non-profit—can prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and community impact. Her story challenges us all to think beyond trophies and titles and embrace the deeper purpose of dance.

So, whether you’re a studio owner, teacher, or dancer, remember Sarah’s message: “We all have the power to make dance a space for everyone."

Let's work together towards a more inclusive dance community. You can contact me through Facebook, Instagram, or email at my name, Sarahdanceac.org. That's the best way to reach me if you have any questions or want to discuss media or chat. I'm also available by phone. If you're in the Florida area, be sure to check out Dance Arts Center, as they're making great strides in creating dance accessibility.

**Sarah received a BFA with a minor in Business Administration and received her Masters in Non Profit Administration from the University of Notre Dame. 

She is now the Chairwoman of the Board/Artistic Director/Dance Educator of Dance Arts Centre which she converted from an LLC to a non profit in 2006 and went on to open a 2nd location in 2007…both of which are thriving.