What others are saying

The Need for a New Approach:
Dance, SEL, and Youth Mental Health

Mental Health is Declining in Youth

CDC (2023) reports that 42% of high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless during the past year.

Among youth aged 6–17, 1 in 6 experiences a mental health disorder each year (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Youth anxiety and depression rates have increased by 25% since 2020 according to a UNICEF and World Health Organization joint report.

Physical movement (like dance) is recognized by the CDC and American Psychological Association as a protective factor for emotional regulation and resilience in youth.

Young people are struggling emotionally at historic levels—and active, community-based movement is a proven part of healing.

Translation

Traditional Dance Instruction Can Worsen the Problem

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Sciencefound that competitive dance environments are associated with higher rates of body image issues, anxiety, and burnout in children and adolescents.

Pressure to "perform perfectly" rather than express authentically often increases cortisol levels and lowers intrinsic motivation.

Dance programs that focus exclusively on technique, competition, or perfection can reinforce unhealthy patterns rather than support emotional growth.

Many dance programs unintentionally harm emotional well-being instead of helping kids thrive.

Translation

Flipping the Model JMM Dance Co.’s Solution

Juan's Mindset Method integrates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)into every dance experience.

Kids are taught to connect with their bodies, regulate their emotions, and express themselves without fear of judgment.

Our classes prioritize joy, creativity, and faith-centered encouragementover technical perfection.

Affirmations, mindset journals, and trauma-informed instruction create an environment where mental health and movement support each other.

We build inner strength, not just strong dancers.

Translation

Mini Case Study

A Parent’s Perspective

"My favorite part was seeing my daughter on stage in front of many others."

Before joining JMM Dance Co.’s program, this young dancer was extremely shy, often freezing up and refusing to participate in front of groups. She disliked being the center of attention and had struggled with performance anxiety in the past.

Through our movement-based, SEL-integrated classes, she was supported in a way that honored her feelings while encouraging resilience.

At the community mental health and family well-being event, she stepped onto the stage, performed beautifully, and walked off with a confident smile — a transformation that moved her family deeply.

Her parent shared:

"My daughter showed confidence despite her feeling nervous. Once she performed she came off stage with a smile and confident walk to our table."

Performing at an event that celebrated well-being and mental health made the experience even more powerful:

"It meant a lot to see my child perform at a wellbeing event. I know mental health is important and I want to show her it’s ok to be nervous and do hard things because she has our support and I want her to be happy."

The parent’s final reflection captured the heart of our mission:

"I would love to see this program at all schools. Dance and movement are part of everyone’s culture and a way to self-express."

At JMM Dance Co., we are committed to helping children experience movement not as pressure, but as a pathway to confidence, healing, and joy.

Voices from our Partner Schools

School administrators play a critical role in creating environments where students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Their firsthand experience with JMM Dance Co.’s programs offers powerful insight into the real impact movement-based SEL can have on school culture, student behavior, and teacher well-being.

Anissa Dizon- Principal at Rancho Santana School, Hollister Ca

"I had the privilege of experiencing the dance classes offered by this amazing social-emotional dance company, and I cannot recommend them enough. The classes were incredibly student-friendly, with a focus on helping scholars identify and express their emotions in a creative and inclusive way."

Jivan Dhaliwal- Curriculum and Instruction Director Aromas-San Juan Unified School District

"JMM Dance Co. provided an outstanding summer dance program focused on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for our TK-8 students.

The classes were not only fun and engaging, but they also helped our students build confidence, teamwork, and self-expression."

Instructor from Gilroy Highschool "The instructor created a safe and supportive environment where every student felt valued, encouraging both personal growth and emotional intelligence.

Through dance, students not only honed their movement skills but also developed a deeper understanding of their feelings, building confidence and empathy. It was truly inspiring to see how the classes fostered creativity, emotional awareness, and a sense of belonging for all young participants."

Youth Alliance Team Member- The highlight of the program was the recital, where students proudly showcased what they had learned to their parents.

It was a joy to see the growth and enthusiasm in our students, and we’re grateful to JMM Dance Co. for creating such a positive and enriching experience.

Evelyn Torres Parent of Public School Student Participant

“I would love to see this program at all schools.
Dance and movement are part of everyone’s culture and a way to self-express.”

"My daughter showed confidence despite her feeling nervous. Once she performed, she came off stage with a smile and a confident walk to our table. It meant the world to see her thrive at a mental health and family well-being event."

" ¡ Paciencia! Es muy agradable que traten a mis hijas con paciencia y amabilidad a pesar de ser niñas muy ocupadas. ¡Ser aceptados por quienes son y también recibí una buena dosis de paciencia y aliento a través de las clases de baile!