Welcome to the Greater Richmond Dance Project

The Greater Richmond Dance Project (GRDP) aims to enrich the lives of the Greater Richmond community through the art of Ballroom Dance. I have been very fortunate to reach so many people on the dance floors at Rigby's Jig, but I've always wanted to do more. I am a Richmond native and love our amazing city, but there's only one thing missing--there's not enough dancing here! Dancing is such a rich and dynamic activity that provides numerous benefits to our health, our mind, and our spirit. Whenever people see a couple dancing the Cha Cha or the Waltz, they are affected by its power. I want more people to feel that power and experience those benefits. GRDP aims to provide access, exposure and opportunity to more people, many of whom may not have ever stepped foot on a dance floor.

GRDP has several initiatives we plan to execute initiatives that fulfill our mission including:

• Infusing the art of dance into Richmond's festivals and community activities
• Teaching classes specifically for people with disabilities
• Providing marriage enrichment courses for faith-based communities
• Developing programs specific to the needs of veterans
• Offering opportunities for school-aged children to experience ballroom dancing
• Enriching the lives of families by offering classes for multiple generations

Elementary & Middle School Dance Enrichment

GRDP is proud to offer weekly dance lessons for various schools in Henrico County. Morning Clubs allow students to start the day on the right foot, and 'Win The Morning'. Kids learn choreography, perform for various school events, learn about dance styles from around the world, and start their day dancing to upbeat music. Principals have shared with us that the children perform better in the classroom and uphold school virtues more consistently when they participate in our morning dance clubs!

Senior Programs

GRDP has partnered with The Westminster Outreach Program to offer dance lessons for Income-Restricted Senior Living Communities in the Richmond and Henrico areas. We also partner with several assisted living centers in the area to provide dance instruction and performances. We offer dance demonstrations for memory care units, dance lessons for more active seniors and have even developed a 'Chair Dancing' Class for some of the Senior Communities we partner with. The music, movement, socialization and memorization of patterns in our programs, give seniors an activity that enriches their lives in multiple ways.

Veteran's Programs

GRDP has been honored to work with Veterans in classes specifically designed for Veterans. Classes revolve around learning steps and rhythms of various dances, as well as balance and coordination focus to support and compliment what our students are working to improve. Our GRDP ambassadors join classes to partner with our amazing Vets.