Santa Clara County · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Show Up.
Connect.
Create Together.

BAYA is a youth arts nonprofit for middle and high school students in the Bay Area. Through dance, music, and mentorship, we create a place where young people belong — to each other, and to something bigger than themselves.

Explore Programs Support Our Building Fund
DANCE MUSIC MENTORSHIP COMMUNITY EDUCATION OPEN STUDIO SANTA CLARA COUNTY YOUTH EMPOWERMENT DANCE MUSIC MENTORSHIP COMMUNITY EDUCATION OPEN STUDIO SANTA CLARA COUNTY YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

"You can't dance by yourself and call it community. BAYA is here to provide the space to create together."

Daniel Jisoo Choi
Founder, BAYA

Reclaiming space
for real connection.

Technology has rapidly transformed how we live, work, and communicate. While these advances have brought convenience and opportunity, they have also coincided with rising social isolation, declining in-person interaction, and increased loneliness — particularly among youth and young adults.

Many young people now spend the majority of their formative years engaging through screens rather than shared physical spaces, limiting opportunities to develop social confidence, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

Despite these challenges, access to safe, affordable, in-person community spaces — especially those centered around creative expression and movement — has steadily declined in the Bay Area. There is a growing need for intentional spaces that foster human connection, physical presence, and community through shared activity.

A permanent home for
movement and belonging.

Our vision is to create a physical, welcoming space where people gather regularly to move, create, and connect — offline and in community.

We envision a multipurpose studio facility with multiple rooms designed for dance, movement, fitness, and creative collaboration. This space will be flexible and accessible, serving youth, adults, and community groups through structured programs as well as open studio use.

By centering shared physical activity and creative expression, the space is intended to foster authentic relationships, mentorship, and a renewed sense of belonging. In a rapidly changing world, we believe consistent in-person connection remains essential to individual well-being and healthy communities.

Support the Building Fund Get in Touch

Programs Built Around Community

Every program is designed to get youth in the same room — learning together, growing together, and building friendships that last.

Dance classes

Dance Classes

Hip-hop, contemporary, cultural styles — weekly classes and workshops led by experienced instructors for all skill levels.

Join a Class
Music and education

Music & Education

Music workshops, songwriting, and arts education programming that connects creativity to real-world skills.

Learn More
Mentorship program

Youth Mentorship

Structured 1-on-1 and group mentorship pairing students with adult staff who invest in their growth beyond the arts.

Get Matched
Open studio time

Open Studio & Events

Drop-in floor time, community showcases, workshops, and events hosted with partner organizations across the county.

See Schedule

We welcome mission-aligned organizations to partner with us and use our space for programs we don't already offer. Reach out if you'd like to collaborate.

Get Program Info

Help us find
our permanent home.

Right now, BAYA doesn't have a building to call our own. We're fundraising to purchase and renovate a multipurpose studio space in Santa Clara County — a place where youth can show up every single day, practice on a real floor, and belong to something lasting.

The building will serve as a shared studio for dance, music, community gatherings, and partner programs — open to youth and the broader community alike.

$15,000 raised Goal: $500,000
3% of goal reached Every dollar moves us closer
Donate to the Building Fund Sponsor an Opportunity
Professional Dance Studio
A real floor for serious training.
Sprung wood floors, mirrors, sound system — built for serious training and the joy of movement.
Music & Recording Space
Where creativity finds its sound.
A dedicated room for music education, jam sessions, and recording opportunities for all skill levels.
Shared Community Space
Open to the whole community.
Event hosting, partner organization studio rentals, and open floor time for members and the public.
Safe After-School Hub
Here every day, not just class days.
A safe, welcoming environment where youth are supported and surrounded by community every single day.

Board of Directors

Our founding board brings together community leaders, educators, artists, and advocates dedicated to making BAYA a reality.

Youngmee Choi

Youngmee Choi

President
Daniel Jisoo Choi

Daniel Jisoo Choi

Secretary
Mijin Shin

Mijin Shin

Treasurer
Amy Cho

Amy Cho

Board Member
Angela Pak

Angela Pak

Board Member

Staff & Open Positions

Daniel Jisoo Choi

Daniel Jisoo Choi

Executive Director & Dance Instructor

Dancing since age 8, Daniel brings over 20 years of professional dance experience — competing in mega crews, performing at exhibitions worldwide, and teaching workshops for 15 years. He now channels that lifetime of artistry into spearheading BAYA and sharing the transformative power of dance with today's youth.

Mijin Shin

Mijin Shin

Dance Instructor

With 10 years of dance experience and a genuine passion for teaching kids, Mijin has instructed both original and covered choreography at multiple studios. She brings creativity and warmth to every class she leads.

Social Media Manager

Part-Time Remote-Friendly
Apply Now

Grow and manage BAYA's presence across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. Create engaging content that highlights our programs, youth, and mission.

Marketer

Part-Time Santa Clara County
Apply Now

Drive awareness of BAYA's programs and building fund campaign through outreach, partnerships, email, and community events. Experience in nonprofit or grassroots marketing a plus.

Media Team

Part-Time Photos & Videos
Apply Now

Capture photos and video at BAYA events, classes, and community moments. Help tell our story visually — editing skills and a passion for youth arts are a plus.

We'd love to
hear from you.

Whether you want to enroll a student, ask about volunteering, sponsor our building fund, or just learn more — reach out and we'll get back to you personally.

📍
Location
Santa Clara County, CA
🌐

Stay connected with BAYA

Events, program updates, building fund milestones, and community stories — delivered to your inbox.