Once Upon a Dance
In School Social Dance Program
Check out what our program is about!
A little sample from our competition 2023!
Competition footage from June7th!
CONGRATULATIONS STUDENTS OF ONCE UPON A DANCE!
Every single student was amazing last Saturday! You should be very proud of yourselves.
THE FOOTAGE from the competition is available now! CLICK HERE!
Thank you Very Fine Dance Shoes for your continuous sponsorship
The Program
Having socio-emotional skills can be the deciding factor of getting the job or not. As we go through the educational system, these essential skills sometimes fall between the cracks. While partner dancing is the obvious skill practice of our social dance program, the transferable skills cultivated are healthy social interaction, good manners and etiquette, teamwork, self-correction, communication, learning techniques, and much more. OUD is proudly using the techniques of Marco Sariñana with Part of the Journey Learning Foundation. These learning techniques have been used in LAUSD schools for more than a decade through amazing programs such as Best Foot Forward. Now, OUD is expanding this program so be sure to check in for available slots.
The program is now available for 3rd grade and up and is organized into 30 lessons. We’ll learn four different dances per grade such as merengue, salsa, swing, waltz, foxtrot, and more. To practice the essential life skill of how to "shine under pressure," the students are encouraged to perform at school events and engage in competition at the end of the year. Unlike any dance programs, the students actually learn to lead and follow so they can improvise beyond a given choreography.
A WORD FROM THE SCHOOLS
Andrea Ferber,
Previous principal of Canterbury Elementary.
"Once Upon a Dance is a game changer for students, providing them exposure to the world of dance, a leveled playing field for socio-emotional learning and self discovery. This timeless enrichment program enhances the necessary skills students need to navigate our ever changing world through awareness of how dance elevates the human experience. Students make valuable connections to history, language arts, social skills, physical education and fine arts through dance. Ms. Paulina Vallin, founder of Once Upon a Dance is a true professional who believes in the power of dance. Her instructors are expertly trained to work with diverse student populations. Their positive approach is rooted in true passion for dance and can change students’ lives for the better. The skills students come away with are impressive and last a lifetime.
Susie DaCorsi,
Principal of
Welby Way Elementary
"Once Upon a Dance possesses an impressive repertoire of dance skills, which they effectively impart to their students through clear instruction, patient guidance, and innovative teaching methods. Their instructors adeptly tailors their lessons to meet the individual needs of the school site. Beyond their technical expertise, Once Upon a Dance brings a contagious enthusiasm and passion for dance to every class each week. The instructors foster a supportive and encouraging learning environment that motivates students to work outside their comfort zone and grow as artists and as human beings."
Marco Sariñana,
Founder of the Part of the Journey learning technique
One of the greatest challenges when looking for people to work with children is finding people who’s communication and classroom management match the love that they have for the students they are servicing. In addition, finding someone who is a highly skilled dancer but also has a matching ability to communicate well and to teach is even more rare. Paulina Vallin is a unique balance of all of these elements and her students will benefit from her experience not only as a dancer but also as a human being.
Jodi Harrison,
Previous principal of Stanley Mosk elementary.
I highly endorse Paulina Vallin's Ballroom Dance Program. During my tenure as principal at a Title 1 school, I was fortunate to have Paulina Vallin teach my fourth and fifth grade students ballroom dance for the 2018-2019 school year as well as most of the 2019-2020 school year. Paulina developed strong, positive relationships while teaching a rigorous and well-structured program. The program focused on teaching students to be proficient dancers while learning skills for navigating society as a positive, contributing citizen. Our students flourished under her guidance and program.
Jeff Rosenberg,
Previous teacher at Chatsworth Park Elementary.
“The skills the students have learned in dance class have clearly benefitted them in general. The students are definitely more confident, both in terms of performing and in working as part of a team. Some of the students who have had the most benefit are those who were struggling in other areas. Some with confidence issues have grown more confident. Some with academic issues or behavior issues have excelled in dance. There are so many individual stories. One male student, who is an English Learner, is very quiet and even a bit shy. He has been one of the top dancers in the class. His confidence just radiates. One female student has a very difficult time in class and on the playground. She has an energy that constantly gets her into trouble. In dance, she has been able to put all of that energy into her dancing. She has been a stand out dancer. To be honest, there is probably a similar account of success for every student in the class.
Deborah Kim,
Teacher at
Beckford elementary
“I have had a wonderful experience with OUD. The instructors are professional and the message that they share/spread is wonderful. I love how they respond to difficulties with students/teachers (myself) with positivity and trying to push internal incentives within students. Even as I make mistakes to encourage student engagement, our instructor was able to add in her desire of students pushing beyond their comfort zone and take charge with pride; a much better message than myself trying to encourage engagement with external incentives. Kudos to that! Yes, they are willing to try things outside their typical comfort zone. Friendships beyond gender and social interests were being formed. A overall sense of classroom relationship.”