Promotes social and emotional well-being and inclusive practices through dance and music.
Founded in 2016 by brad gluckstein, conga kids is a nonprofit arts education organization dedicated to promoting social and emotional well-being and advancing inclusive practices through dance, music, and movement. Rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to joyful, culturally relevant learning experiences, conga kids integrates artistic expression with social-emotional learning (sel) to support students' holistic development-physically, emotionally, and socially.conga kids' curriculum is grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy and highlights diasporic dance traditions, including salsa, merengue, cumbia, authentic jazz (charleston), hip-hop, and reggaetn. These art forms serve as both a creative outlet and a framework for teaching discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, and cultural awareness. Complementing its dance programming, the organization's sports-based curriculum incorporates movement, rhythm, and physical education to reinforce coordination, collaboration, and healthy lifestyle habits. Together, these programs provide students with practical sel strategies in a fun, engaging, and accessible format that resonates across diverse school communities.all instruction is delivered by a carefully selected team of highly qualified teaching artists and program staff who undergo rigorous training in classroom management, youth development, and standards-based arts instruction prior to entering the classroom. This ensures program consistency, instructional quality, and alignment with educational objectives. Conga kids' model emphasizes structure, engagement, and positive reinforcement, creating safe and supportive environments where students can thrive.conga kids partners with public school districts across los angeles county, orange county, and san bernardino county, delivering programming directly at school sites during the instructional day and in expanded learning settings. Current district partners include los angeles unified school district (lausd