WHO WE ARE

Vision

To create magic at the intersection of community, dance, and music by celebrating dance's cultural and historical origins, to build a global understanding, promote empathy, and create cultural inclusivity within our diverse communities. So that together, we transform our minds, hearts, and community through the joy and power of dance!

mission

We Promote Social and Emotional Well-being and Inclusive Practices through Dance and Music!

Our Story

Since 2016, Conga Kids has integrated social and emotional wellness and inclusivity into social dance and music, reaching thousands of students (K-8) and families throughout Los Angeles and Orange County and creating a critical pathway to arts education and emotional well-being for historically underserved communities. In 2022-2023, we grew our in-school social-dance Residency Programs from 77 to over 140 elementary schools and piloted the “Discover the Diaspora” Assembly, a 60-minute interactive performance in over 50 school sites. Students learn Social Dances of the African Diaspora, such as Lamban, Merengue, Son Cubano, Salsa, Authentic Jazz, Cumbia, and Hip-Hop, and while celebrating the cultural and historical context of dance and music, we create healthy, transformative, and prosocial learning experiences that connect young people to self-confidence, collaboration, and community-building, all with the goal of empowering them.

Our “Conga Kids" are taught life lessons to aid their personal growth and development while building a foundation of leadership and confidence, boosting their overall academic achievement, social engagement and community, attendance, and college and workforce readiness. These invaluable life skills contribute to their immediate well-being and help them reach their full potential, attain their dreams, and create their vision of a promising future.

Conga Kids anticipates dancing in-person with over 60,000 kids in 2024-2025 with our premier Residency programs for 4th and 5th grade, the “Discover the Diaspora” Assembly Program, and our two newest pilot initiatives: the “Bridge the Generations'', and the Afterschool Social and Partner Dance & Music Programs. We have also expanded into summer programming in collaboration with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.

Our FOUNDER

Brad Gluckstein is a community-minded entrepreneur born and raised in Los Angeles, California. His love for music, culture, and community led him to establish Conga Kids in 2016, which promotes social and emotional well-being through dance and music. Conga Kids’ inclusive curriculum highlights the African Diaspora dances, including Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Authentic Jazz (Charleston), Hip-Hop, and Reggaetón. The program is focused on teaching diversity, equity, inclusivity, and social and emotional learning strategies. As of 2024, Conga Kids is active in 15 school districts and several community organizations, including Boys & Girls Club and YMCA, reaching approximately 50,000 children annually in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Mr. Gluckstein is also an Advisory Board member for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and the UCLA Luskin School Public Affairs. He is a proud father of two daughters, Leila and Sonya, and a son named Jonah. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Yanka Burgos.

our teaCHing Artists

List of our 2024-25 Teaching Artists

We are immensely grateful for our dedicated teaching artists who serve as the welcoming face of our organization. Our teaching artists are carefully selected through rigorous auditions and training processes. With each passing year, as we extend our reach to encompass more regions within Los Angeles, we are thrilled to witness the number of talented teaching artists joining our ranks double, ensuring that we can continue to provide the highest quality education to even more communities.

This year, we joyfully welcomed a cohort of exceptional teaching artists, each imparting their expertise to students across 17 school districts spanning from the vibrant heart of Los Angeles to the picturesque landscapes of Pomona, the beautiful shores of Long Beach, and more.

OUR TEAM

We are grateful to work with such outstanding team members who are the backbone of our organization, contributing to its success and growth in remarkable ways!