Christina Massad: Bringing Dance to Homeless Children

Sarah Jenkins · 2026-01-26

Let's talk about something that really matters. You know how we often discuss dance technique, studio management, or class structures? Today, I want to share a story that reminds us why we do this work in the first place. It's about Christina Massad and her Open Bounce program. This isn't just another dance initiative. It's a movement that brings the transformative power of dance to children experiencing homelessness. Think about that for a moment. While we're worrying about perfect pirouettes, some children don't have a stable place to call home. ### The Heart Behind Open Bounce Christina didn't start with a grand plan or massive funding. She started with a simple observation. She noticed that children in homeless shelters rarely had access to structured creative activities. Dance, which she knew could build confidence and provide emotional release, was completely absent from their lives. So she did what any passionate educator would do. She created Open Bounce. The program brings dance classes directly to shelters and transitional housing facilities. No fancy studios required. Just open space and willing hearts. ### Why This Matters for Dance Professionals You might wonder why this story matters to you as a studio owner or choreographer. Here's the thing - it challenges us to think bigger about what dance education can be. We often get caught up in recitals, competitions, and tuition payments. Christina's work reminds us that dance has power beyond our studio walls. Consider these impacts Christina has observed: - Children developing physical coordination they never had before - Kids finding their voice through movement when words fail them - Building social connections in environments that can feel isolating - Creating moments of pure joy in difficult circumstances ### The Real Challenges Running a program like this isn't easy. Christina faces obstacles we don't typically encounter in traditional studios. She adapts to different spaces every week. She works with children who might be dealing with trauma. She creates lesson plans that work without mirrors, barres, or sprung floors. Yet she persists. Because she's seen what happens when a child who's been silent for weeks finally smiles during a movement exercise. Or when a group of children who barely know each other create a dance together. ### What We Can Learn Here's what strikes me most about Christina's approach. She doesn't see herself as a savior bringing culture to the underprivileged. She sees herself as a facilitator helping children discover something they already have inside. The dance isn't something she gives them. It's something she helps them uncover. As one shelter director told Christina, "These classes are the one thing the kids talk about all week. They count down the days until you come back." ### Making Space for Everyone This brings me to a question for all of us. How can we make dance more accessible in our own communities? I'm not suggesting every studio needs to create a free program for homeless children. But maybe we can think about: - Scholarship programs for families in need - Community outreach performances - Partnering with local organizations - Creating more inclusive class structures Christina's work shows us that dance isn't a luxury. It's a fundamental human expression that everyone deserves to experience. The children in her classes aren't just learning steps. They're discovering that their bodies can tell stories. That they can create beauty. That they matter. And isn't that what we all want for every student who walks through our doors? Whether they come from a mansion or a shelter, every child deserves to feel the joy of movement. Every child deserves to know that their body is capable of expressing what words cannot. So next time you're planning your class schedule or worrying about studio expenses, remember Christina's work. Remember that dance has power beyond what we see in the mirror. It can heal. It can connect. It can transform. And that's why we do what we do.