Conga Kids is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary as it hosts this year’s dance championship competition at The Novo at L.A. Live on May 7, 2026. The top 200 students out of 9,000 fifth graders from school districts throughout southern California will dance their way for the coveted championship trophy.
Conga Kids teaches students social and emotional learning through the vessel of dance. Students perform five partnership dances: Cumbia, Salsa, Charleston, Hip Hop and Bollywood. Through Conga Kids, students have a unique access to experience music and the arts in a whole new way – setting a foundation for respect, teamwork, confidence, leadership and intergenerational connection.
During the festivities, the following dignitaries and educators will be honored for their dedication to the constituents and families they serve:
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- Visionary Award - Dr. James Morris, County Administrator, Inglewood Unified School District
- Visionary Award – Dr. Yadira Moreno, Assistant Superintendent, Anaheim Elementary School District
- Community Hero Award – State Senator Lena A. Gonzalez, 33rd District and Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus
- Legacy Award – CJ Johnson, President and CEO of Mechanics Bank
ABOUT CONGA KIDS:
Nearly 60,000 students from TK to twelve grade at 23 school districts throughout L.A., OC and San Bernardino counties are a “Conga Kid.” Participating school districts include LAUSD, El Monte, Hacienda La Puente, Inglewood, Anaheim Elementary, Claremont, Lancaster, Pomona, and San Bernardino City. Many of the participating campuses are Title 1 designated schools located in underserved areas.
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Conga Kids is a 501©3 nonprofit founded in 2016. The transformative in-school curriculum plays an integral role in SoCal districts. Today, it not only offers cultural dance program but has expanded to sports as well.
For more information on Conga Kids and to donate to continue to bring unique music, arts and athletic programs to southern California students, visit CongaKids.org.
