Empowering High School Students Through Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Today’s high school students face mounting pressures that impact their academic performance, emotional well-being, and peer relationships. The Dance of Relationships is a dynamic, experiential workshop that uses the art of ballroom dancing to teach students vital SEL skills through movement, connection, and real-time reflection.
Core Program Benefits:
- Conflict Resolution
Students learn to manage disagreements calmly and constructively through body language, emotional regulation, and mutual respect.
- Boundary Setting with Teachers and Peers
Partnered dance exercises help students recognize, set, and respect personal space, while practicing assertiveness and consent.
- Mastering Communication
Through the lead-and-follow structure of ballroom dance, students develop active listening, clear expression, and cooperation skills.
Why Ballroom Dancing? Ballroom dancing offers a live, embodied metaphor for relationships: it reveals how we relate, respond, and show up for others. It teaches:
- Leadership without domination
- Collaboration without passivity
- Respect for individual space and timing
The experience is engaging, inclusive, and memorable—ideal for Health, Life Skills, PE, or Advisory classes. No prior dance experience required.
Format Options: – Single-period guest class – 2-3 part SEL workshop series – Half-day or full-day experiential intensives
All sessions align with California SEL competencies and LAUSD’s student wellness goals.
About the Presenter Andre Paradis is a professional ballroom dancer, behavioral relationship coach, and communication specialist with over 18 years of experience. He teaches practical relationship and self-awareness skills to students, couples, and professionals using a blend of movement, psychology, and real-world communication tools.
Andre’s Mission:
I am passionate about reaching and teaching relationship dynamics to all levels of society.
I am dedicated to men and women and their wellbeing in understanding each other; closing the gap on pain, hurt feelings and confusion.
My goal is to teach and empower people and society and to change our culture when it comes to human dynamics and relationships.
I want to empower the people who are the most curious about the human condition and it’s challenges, and who want to learn how to create strong boundaries for themselves and lasting relationships in their world.
I hold myself responsible and accountable for touching people’s lives and am dedicated to making a difference in the world.
I align myself with like-minded people who share my vision and passion for transforming the world.
I am lighthearted in my approach and am always looking to enlighten and educate.
I will reach out and ask for support and provide support for the sake of the mission and the ultimate goal of Peace and Harmony.
Everyone is a player in this endeavor, life is good, and learning is fun.
There is hope.
Andre Paradis
Testimonial
“Before meeting Andre Paradis, my teenage son bottled up his emotions until they erupted in anger and frustration. With Andre’s guidance, he learned to communicate calmly, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild his relationships—becoming happier, more respectful, and more connected to his family.
Since my husband’s passing, I’ve prayed for strong male role models for my sons. None have had the lasting impact Andre has. He has taught them self-respect, how to treat women with honor, and given them the tools to face life’s challenges with confidence. To my boys, Andre is not only a mentor but a trusted friend and father figure. To me, he has been an answered prayer.”
-Hope
Let’s Connect
Interested in bringing The Dance of Relationships to your school? I’d be honored to support your SEL initiatives. Let’s schedule a call or demo.
