Empowering Kids Through Dance – One Step at a Time!

Island Style’s Step By Step Dance Project is an outreach program that brings the joy, discipline, and teamwork of ballroom and Polynesian dance directly into Utah’s elementary schools. Over six to eight weeks, students receive expert-led dance instruction during their regular PE time (or before/after school)—culminating in a performance or competition that builds confidence and celebrates their progress!

How It Works:

Step 1: We Come to Your School

Our professional ballroom or Polynesian dance instructors visit your school during PE time (or before/after school) once a week for 6-8 weeks. We work within your preferred schedule, and we can schedule our sessions at any point during the school year. Students do not need prior dance experience!

Step 2: Learn the Basics

Students learn fun, age-appropriate ballroom styles such as cha cha and swing, or Polynesian styles such as hula and Tahitian. Classes are engaging, active, and adapted for all skill levels.

Step 3: Celebrate the Journey

Each session ends with one of the following exciting student experiences, chosen in collaboration with your school’s administration:

  • Parent Showcase: Parents are invited to a special in-school showcase during the final week of the program!
  • School Assembly: Students can perform their routines for classmates and staff in a fun, high-energy school assembly!
  • Concert: Students can perform in our spectacular Island Style concert alongside our studio’s performing teams!
  • Competition: Students can participate in a real ballroom competition, judged and celebrated just like Dancing with the Stars!

Program Benefits For Schools:

CORE Aligned

Aligned with Utah CORE State Standards for Physical Education

Flexible & Scalable

Easy to Schedule Instructors During Existing PE Classes, Before School, or After School!

Low-Cost Program

Introductory sessions free!
Returning sessions $25/week

About Us

Our Mission

Island Style Dance Studio’s Step-by-Step Dance Project provides high-quality Polynesian and Ballroom dance education directly to elementary schools, expanding access to the arts for all children. Our tailored programs use movement and cultural connection to ignite creativity, build confidence, and develop teamwork and communication skills. Students learn from experienced instructors within a supportive and structured environment that fosters discipline, self-expression, and social growth. Through dance, students build life skills that support success both in and beyond the classroom.

Our Values

We believe dance brings people together, helping students build friendships, support one another, and connect beyond the classroom.

We hope to inspire every student to explore their imagination, express themselves through movement, and grow as creative people.

We believe dance is for everyone. We welcome all abilities and backgrounds, and celebrate the cultural richness shared through movement.

We aim to help students develop confidence, resilience, and self-expression—giving them the tools to thrive in and beyond school.

Dance has given us so much, and this outreach program is one way we are giving back. We hope students carry that same spirit forward.

Program Objectives:

  • Students will engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that meets PE requirements and supports lifelong active habits.
  • Students will improve stamina, cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength through structured movement.
  • Students will develop body awareness, including posture, balance, coordination, and motor control.

  • Students will strengthen cognitive skills such as memory, concentration, problem-solving, and pattern recognition through movement-based learning.
  • Students will increase academic engagement by connecting dance experiences to math, critical thinking, and social studies concepts.
  • Students will reinforce core academic concepts—including counting, sequencing, rhythm, history, geography, and cultural awareness—through embodied learning.

  • Students will practice respectful communication, personal boundaries, and empathy while working with peers in partner and group settings.
  • Student will develop teamwork, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills through structured dance activities.
  • Students will strengthen focus, self-discipline, and classroom engagement through active listening and purposeful movement.

  • Students will develop an appreciation for diverse cultures through exposure to dance traditions from around the world.
  • Students will increase global awareness by learning about the cultural contexts of various dance forms.
  • Students will explore cultural origins and histories, including hula as Hawaiian storytelling and ballroom dance with European, Black American and Latin American roots.

  • Students will build confidence and self-esteem by mastering new movement skills and participating in performance opportunities.
  • Students will express themselves creatively through movement as a safe and inclusive emotional outlet.
  • Students will experience a sense of accomplishment through a culminating showcase that celebrates effort, growth, and achievement.

Meet Our Instructors

Kelani Schultz
Kelani SchultzDance Instructor
Savannah Espiritu
Savannah EspirituDance Instructor

Contact Us

Booking Process:

  1. Reach out—contact us via phone or email.
  2. Choose session length & dates—we’ll help select the best fit for your calendar!
  3. Select your program—choose either our Ballroom Dance or Polynesian Dance program.
  4. Confirm schedule—we’ll finalize dates, times, and instructors.
  5. Program begins—students will enjoy high quality dance instruction while developing confidence, creativity, and life skills!

801-785-7208

office@stepbystepdp.com