The mission of Saint Joseph Ballet (SJB) is to empower low-income youth from diverse backgrounds to strengthen self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment. Saint Joseph Ballet was one of the first arts-for-youth organizations to effectively combine challenging dance classes with academic and family programs serving at-risk children. In 1983, before many gleaned the potential of the arts education Founder Beth Burns saw an opportunity to transform the lives of low-income youth through the unconventional vehicle of artistic expression.

SJB invests in the lives of youth who have the greatest need and the greatest desire to succeed. Acceptance in SJB's free programs is based on financial need and a desire to excel in both dance and academics. Our nearly 400 students are ages 9-19; 80% girls, 20% boys; 68% live in Santa Ana; 25% live in other low-income areas of Orange County. A typical SJB student comes from a family of five living on $32,600 per year, below the HUD standard of very-low income.

SJB Year-Round Programs fulfill its artistic, academic and social service objectives through the following services:
-Professional Ballet/Modern Dance Training and Performing Opportunities
-Academic Programs: Individualized tutoring (special emphasis on math, science, writing and computer skills) and College Entrance Prep Courses (SAT and essay writing)
-College Counseling and Scholarship Support
-Family Services (crisis intervention, social services referrals, parenting workshops, health education, individualized case management) and Student Enrichment (educational and career fieldtrips, college campus tours, summer camp scholarships)
-Outreach Programs (DanceFree Weeks ? a dance education program held at 21 of the county?s lowest performing public schools reaching 2,500 students each year)

Year-round programs support SJB students every step of the way through middle school, high school and college, ensuring they have the skills and opportunity to become young adults on a path to rewarding, responsible lives.

SJB began in 1983 as a highly successful pilot program and has since transformed thousands of young lives. Integrating year-round dance education, academic programs and family services, SJB's holistic program offers creative alternatives to youth who are at risk of falling victim to destructive behaviors such as drug abuse, gangs and dropping out of school. Distinguished from many other after-school programs, SJB offers young people up to nine years of continuous and progressively challenging programs. Those who participate, gain self-confidence, improve their grades and acquire the skills that help them graduate high school and attend college at a dramatically higher rate than their peers nationally. Youth who enter SJB with few resources leave with the tools and skills to build a future for themselves, their families and community.

In 26 years, SJB has served over 62,000 at-risk youth - giving them the academic and personal skills to pursue higher education the experience of dance. Our holistic approach - addressing the physical, psychological and intellectual well-being of the child - and long-term mentoring distinguish it from other youth services organizations that offer after-school tutoring. SJB has received numerous awards for its pioneering, highly effective dance, academic and family services programs. 

 SJB's pioneering model - targeting low-income, Latino youth and integrating dance with academic and family services - is a holistic, long-term approach that nurtures youth physically, mentally and emotionally. Artistically, it engages students as equals in the creative process and forges strong mentoring bonds. However, SJB programs go beyond teaching students how to dance, get better grades and access college. They change the way students think about themselves. Students learn self-respect, self-confidence, and self-worth. SJB programs instill a sense of personal power, nurture high expectations, foster vision, and deliver hope. Consequently, SJB has seen more than two decades of young people chart a new course in their lives.