Our Mission
DASH Center for the Arts was founded on the belief that the arts have the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. By providing access to dance, music, and theater education, DASH creates opportunities for young people to explore their creativity, build discipline and confidence, and share their voices through performance.
Our Story
DASH Center for the Arts began with a simple but powerful belief: that the arts can transform the lives of young people and strengthen communities.
Planting Seeds Through the Arts
Founder Candi Payne had already spent years working with youth in underserved communities in Atlanta, including serving as Performing Arts Director in the Techwood Housing community and working with youth at the East Lake YMCA. Through these experiences, she saw firsthand how access to the performing arts could build confidence, discipline, and leadership in young people who often had limited opportunities for creative expression.
A Classroom Becomes a Stage
When Candi later moved to Washington State in 2001, that belief was reinforced through an unexpected experience. After enrolling her younger sister in a community dance class, she noticed that the instructor struggled to provide meaningful instruction for students from diverse backgrounds. When the instructor learned about Candi’s professional dance experience—including performing with the hip-hop dance company Culture Shock—she invited Candi to teach hip-hop at a local middle school.
What began as a small after-school class with just six students quickly became something much bigger. The students were eager to learn, stayed after school to practice, and encouraged their friends to join. When they were invited to perform at a community event, the experience sparked a new level of excitement and pride. Parents soon began noticing changes in their children’s confidence, attitudes, and academic performance.
Seeing the impact that the arts were having on these young people, Candi formed a youth dance company called Reality Check. Students were required to maintain a minimum GPA, attend rehearsals consistently, and participate in community service—reinforcing the idea that artistic growth and personal responsibility go hand in hand.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their voice and make their DASH count.”
— Candi Payne, Founder & Executive Director
From One Class to a Movement
While working with the students, Candi noticed something important: they weren’t just dancers. They were singing, acting, creating, and expressing themselves in many different ways. It became clear that their talents extended far beyond one art form.
From that realization, DASH was born.
Originally standing for Dancing, Acting, and Singing in Harmony, DASH began as a small youth arts program and grew to serve more than 500 youth across Pierce and King Counties in Washington.
Today, DASH has come full circle and continues its mission in Metro Atlanta.
While the organization still celebrates dance, acting, and singing, DASH has evolved to represent something even deeper. The name now reflects a powerful question we ask every young person we serve:
Just like the dash between the day we are born and the day we leave this world, our “dash” represents what we do in between—how we use our gifts, our voices, and our creativity to make an impact.
At DASH Center for the Arts, we empower young people to discover their talents, build confidence, and use their voices to shape their future—so that their DASH truly matters.
What is your DASH?
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Dance
Students explore movement, discipline, and artistic expression through a variety of dance styles.
Our Programs
DASH Center for the Arts offers dance, music, and theater programs that provide students with training, creative exploration, and performance opportunities.
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Music
Young artists develop vocal and musical skills while discovering the joy of performance.
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Theater
Through acting and stage performance, students build confidence and learn the art of storytelling.
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Performance Opportunities
Students participate in seasonal showcases, community performances, and productions that allow them to share their talents with audiences.
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Community Arts Engagement
DASH connects youth, families, and neighborhoods through collaborative arts experiences and community events.
DASH Center for the Arts is led by a dedicated team of arts educators and community leaders who are passionate about empowering youth through the arts.
Our leadership team reflects the heart of DASH — artists, educators, and former students working together to guide the next generation.
Candi Payne
Founder & Executive Director
Leadership
The DASH leadership team is committed to mentoring young people, supporting their growth, and serving families across Metro Atlanta through the arts. We believe in the power of creative education to build confidence and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Marina Nava
Chief Executive Officer and Former DASH Student
Kiayah Scott-Hall
Chief Financial Officer and Former DASH Student
Shelia Scott
Board Secretary
Our Impact
500+
20+
30+
Youth Served
Years of Arts Education
Community Performances Annually