DSC FESTIVAL APRIL 16-18
The 11th annual Dance for Social Change (DSC) Festival is a three-day, youth-led celebration exploring the intersection of mental health, nature, art, and community. Across performances, interactive experiences, and reflective spaces, the festival invites participants of all ages to engage with youth creativity, connect with one another, and explore wellness in new ways.
Thursday April 16, 2026 : ROOTED& RISING – 6-9:30pm | TICKETED
6pm Welcome, 6:30-7:30 Dinner , 7:30-8:30pm Soundscape & Performance, 8:30-9:30pm Dance Party w/ Sounds by ANTWIGADEE
This is our fundraising evening, reimagined as a space to engage with our senses, to be present, recharge, and connect. Join us for a night dedicated to being well in your body and present in the moment. What are things impacting our mental and how do we heal, change and grow.
Friday April 17, 2026 : Teen Night - 7-10pm | FREE
Curated by teens, for teens, this evening celebrates youth voice, creativity, and fellowship. Attendees will gather to share performances, engage in wellness activities, explore deep conversation, and support youth vendors—all in a space dedicated entirely to teen expression.
Saturday April 18, 2026: Shifting Grounds - 11-3pm | FREE
in partnership with Arts New Orleans
Join us for a joyful day celebrating youth voice and art. Experience performances by Dancing Grounds K–8 and teen youth companies, connect with partner organizations, and witness the unveiling of public art at the Audubon Nature Center: “The Mirage” by Trinity Barriere and Mosaic Furniture by Jamar Pierre. Enjoy delicious food, community connection, and music by DJ Antiwagee.
Watch “Common Past Forgotten,” latest film from the DSC Teen Company
2023 DSC Teen Art Exhibition
Jade
“Inner Child,” 2023, acrylic on canvas, 16x20
Ken That Artist
”Men Are Human Too,” 20x26x2
Artist Statement: Men Are Human Too is a painting capturing the conversation to liberate Black men from toxic masculinity. I believe toxic masculinity plays a huge part in the emotions of men and boys in the black community. This can lead to acts of violence through pent up emotions like anger or sadness that can lead to harmful acts to themselves or others. Making space that allows black men and boys to feel their emotions without feeling weak can help prevent this future violence. After all, men are human too and deal with struggles they don’t know how to deal with.
Tae Dream
”The Story Of Reality,” poem
Artist Statement: I have so many things to say but are too young for people to take me seriously. My writing is a way to say everything I have to say even if not everyone agrees. At least I have said what is in my head.
Jade
“Target,” 2022, oil on canvas, 24x30
Artist Statement: This is meant to serve as social and political commentary on the systematic corruption within the American criminal justice system, which often wrongfully targets black men, and the impact this has on future generations.
Lauren Klebba
”Panicked,” 2023, acrylic sheet print on paper, 9x12
Artist Statement: I believe childhood should be a happy time for growth and development, not years that lead to trauma or fear.