Our Artistic PowerHaus
At JFDU & Co., we want to move the needle from at-risk to at-promise. Then, from invisibility to intentional celebration. Our supplemental youth programming is committed to advancing the physical, emotional and creative well-being of youth and families through arts, wellness and workforce development.
We intentionally serve communities historically excluded from access to creative resources, shifting youth from being labeled “at-risk” to being seen as “at-promise” by:
Providing safe spaces for self-expression through dance, music, theater and visual arts.
Offering wellness education that nurtures mental, physical and emotional health.
Developing workforce skills through entrepreneurship, internships and leadership training.
Cultivating creativity as a tool for healing, empowerment and economic mobility.
Creating inclusive, affirming environments where youth are seen, heard and celebrated.
When youth are equipped with opportunity, mentorship and community support, we believe they don’t just survive, they shine.
Ballerinas of the Bayou
Early Childhood (ages 2 to 6): Our youngest students are exposed to a variety of activities. These activities include: movement-based storytelling through dance and drumming, sensory play with art materials, sing-a-longs rooted in local musical traditions and beading activities inspired by Black Masking Indian culture.
Youth (Ages 7 to 12): Our tweens engage in many different art forms. These activities include: instruction in beginner music and voice, visual and wearable art, theater acting and improvisation, photo journaling and community storytelling through zines and oral history.
Teens (Ages 13 to 18): Our teens participate in advanced art forms. These include: original choreography, spoken word, digital photography, documentary filmmaking, sound design, beat making and stage production. Teen participants also receive leadership and project-based learning opportunities through media, event curation and tech crew operations.
Our C.A.R.E. Initiative within the Ballerinas of the Bayou program focuses on: Cultivation of Culture and Character, Achievement, Representation, and Empowerment through Education.
The Wellness Collective
Powered by Ballerinas of the Bayou
The Wellness Collective, Powered by Ballerinas of the Bayou, was born out of lived experience and a deep desire to restore access to healing, creativity and opportunity. After Hurricane Katrina, our founder realized youth in New Orleans lacked spaces for self-expression, artistic growth and holistic support. What started as a response to that gap became a thriving creative campus in Algiers, where annually over 700 youth get to explore cultural dance, music, theater, wellness and entrepreneurship–all under one roof.
Our mission is to advance the physical, emotional and creative well-being of youth and families through culturally responsive programming rooted in performance arts, wellness education and workforce development. We serve communities too often labeled “at-risk” by instead seeing them as “at-promise”—ready to lead, create and shine. Through safe spaces, mentorship and opportunity, we holistically nurture each child who attends JFDU.
We envision a future where invisibility is replaced with intentional celebration—where youth move from underserved to unapologetically thriving.
Our goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem by annually reaching over 1,000 youth and families; offering access to high-quality programs, preparing the next generation of artists and leaders, and fueling a movement powered by equity, cultural memory and radical joy.
SoundHaus Music Studio
SoundHaus Studios was founded for those who share a profound love for music, creativity, and artistic expression. The transformative power of music propelled us to create a space where artists could thrive, grow and connect with their audiences.
Driven by love for the arts, this is a studio that provides a nurturing environment for musicians, singers and all artists. SoundHaus Studios offers state-of-the-art recording facilities and rehearsal spaces set in a collaborative atmosphere that inspires and supports the artistic process.
This extends beyond the technical aspects of music production. We are deeply committed to fostering a vibrant, creative community where artists can exchange ideas and collaborate on projects. SoundHausStudios also hosts events, workshops and networking opportunities to facilitate these connections and promote a sense of artistic camaraderie.
The goal is to create a space where musicians and artists can unleash their creativity, develop their skills and bring their artistic visions to life. The studio serves as a hub for artistic exploration, innovation and the celebration of the transformative power of music.