Culture Shock San Diego Training Academy & Youth Dance Troupes

Culture Shock San Diego Training Academy & Youth Dance Troupes offers dance training in Hip Hop dance through dance classes, performance opportunities, and masterclasses. Dance classes at Culture Shock Training Academy lay the groundwork for further training on youth and adult performance troupes, and the Youth and Adult Troupe Program is geared towards dancers who want more intensive training and performance opportunities.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Culture Shock San Diego was founded in 1993 and is the originator of the world-wide network of Culture Shock International. Culture Shock San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Hip Hop dance organization dedicated to innovative performance, entertainment, artist development, education and community outreach. Culture Shock utilizes dance to cultivate education, entertainment and empowerment to inspire positive change in the communities they serve. Dance training at Culture Shock provides dancers of all ages physical strength, mental stability, self-confidence, and a network of lifetime supporters. The program describes its dancers as a troupe of individuals who, through the power of music and dance, cultivate self-worth, dignity, and respect for all people. Internationally renowned graffiti artists have brought their art to the studio walls, and the studio features inspirational graffiti art.

Youth troupe dancers describe their experiences with statements such as “Dance is Medicine to Me.” One youth troupe dancer, Mercedes, age 14, says, “I’m excited to take my hip hop dance to a new level. Culture Shock is the best place to do that.” Another youth troupe dancer, Shayla, age 12, says, “You can make new friends and dance together, sharing the magic of this art.” Sebastian, age 12, shares a similar comment: “[You] can make new friends and dance together, sharing the magic of this art.”

Last updated May 15, 2026.