Dance changes people. No matter someone’s age or ability, partner dance builds confidence, teaches respect, and does so much more both on and off the dance floor. Ballroom dance educator Andrea Mirenda and former Minnesota State Senator Ember Reichgott Junge founded Heart of Dance in 2015 to share that impact with those who need it most — from school children struggling with self-esteem, to seniors struggling to maintain quality of life.

Andrea and Ember launched Heart of Dance with Dancing Classrooms, the global Social Emotional Learning program seen in the award-winning documentary Mad Hot Ballroom. Dancing Classrooms cultivates essential life skills in children through the joyful art and practice of social dance.

Heart of Dance started with just four school partners in the Twin Cities, and has grown to reach thousands of youth, young adults and seniors across Minnesota with a variety of partner dance offerings — Dancing Classrooms, DC Academy, Barriers to Bridges, and Dance for Life. We’re connecting hearts and minds and empowering people through partner dance — and look forward to continue making a difference in our community!