Access Through the Arts is a local nonprofit organization that promotes and encourages ballroom dance in public schools. Each semester they go into fifth grade classrooms and teach the students basic ballroom dance techniques. Their goal is to show students the benefit of dance and to help them to grow physically, mentally, socially and develop their own community and sense of belonging. The future of ballroom dance depends on younger generations coming forward with an interest in dance, and Access Through the Arts wants to be there to encourage them for years to come.

Helenmarie Corcoran, President

Helenmarie lives to create a world where people know themselves, love themselves and share themselves. With her partner Gary Stephans she created Alliance Dance Institute in February 2005 as an environment where people can express themselves and connect with others through partner dancing.

Gary Stephans, Director

Gary Stephans, has operated successful million dollar studios in Atlanta, Minneapolis and Cincinnati. He has well over 30 years experience in the dance business. His formal dance qualifications include being a member of the NADTA (Ballroom and Latin Style) and a licentiate of the US Theater Arts Branch of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. He is registered with the National Dance Council of America (A+,B+,C+,D+,E+). Gary also has special academic training in formal dance and theater arts.

Frank Regan, Director

Frank Regan, is a former United States, Canadian and North American Professional Dancesport Champion who has distinguished himself in many areas of the world of dance and theater as a choreographer, director, producer, writer, lyricist, and dance historian. He is a much sought after coach in the Dancesport genre with our students, a national and world championship adjudicator, and stylistic choreographer for the world famous Miami City Ballet.