Making the performing arts accessible to our community.

Since 2006, the St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts (SACSPA) has provided performing arts instruction and creative opportunities for local children in need and older adults throughout St. Johns County.

A young student playing an upright piano from sheet music

Our mission

Creating opportunities through the performing arts.

At SACSPA, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the performing arts, regardless of age, background, or financial circumstances.

Founded in 2006, our nonprofit provides performing arts instruction to children in need and older adults throughout St. Johns County. Through partnerships with local organizations, we offer programs that encourage creativity, build confidence, and bring people together through music and performance.

Our goal is simple: to make the performing arts accessible to more members of our community.

  • 2006Year founded
  • 3Active programs
  • 2014Dancing Stars established

What we do

Bringing music and performance into our community.

Through ongoing partnerships with local organizations, SACSPA provides performing arts instruction and opportunities for children in need and older adults. Our programs are designed to encourage participation, creative expression, and meaningful connections.

2009

to present

Coquina Crossing Chorale

The Coquina Crossing Chorale brings older adults together through group rehearsals and musical performances. SACSPA has directed and supported the chorale since 2009, providing a welcoming environment where participants can share their love of music and enjoy performing together.

2014

to present

St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS)

Through our partnership with St. Augustine Youth Services, SACSPA provides performing arts instruction for boys living in a therapeutic group home. The program offers opportunities to explore music, develop new skills, and express creativity in a supportive setting.

2020

to present

Weekly Virtual Performance Group

Established in 2020, our weekly virtual performance group provides a convenient way for participants to continue engaging with the performing arts. Through regular online sessions, members can practice, perform, and connect with others who share their interests.

A young pianist in a tuxedo playing a grand piano at Dancing Stars 2025
Dancing Stars of St. Johns County, 2025. Photo: Karolynne, A Moment In Time.

Why it matters

Making a difference through the arts.

The performing arts offer opportunities for learning, self-expression, and connection, but access to these experiences isn't always available to everyone.

SACSPA helps make arts instruction more accessible by bringing programs directly to the organizations and communities we serve. For children facing difficult circumstances and older adults with limited opportunities to participate, these programs provide a consistent way to experience the benefits of music and performance.

Our longstanding partnerships reflect our commitment to providing programs that participants and community organizations can continue to rely on.

Our history

Our History in the Community

In addition to our current programs, SACSPA has worked with several local organizations over the years to expand access to arts instruction.

  • 2009 to 2020THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida, King Street Unit
  • 2014 to 2019Kids Bridge
  • 2007 to 2008Department of Recreation and Parks Summer Camps, across nine locations

Our annual fundraiser

Dancing for a great cause.

Dancing Stars of St. Johns County is SACSPA's signature annual fundraising event, bringing local community members and professional ballroom dancers together for a night of entertainment, friendly competition, and community support.

Since 2014, participants have partnered with professional instructors from Arthur Murray Dance Centers to learn ballroom routines and prepare for a live performance. Throughout the experience, dancers also raise funds to support SACSPA's ongoing performing arts programs.

Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, and participant fundraising help make the school's community programs possible.

Dancing Stars of St. Johns County, 2026. Photo: John B. Merriam.
A dancer in a red satin gown with full red sleeves leans back in a long diagonal line on a red-lit stage at Dancing Stars 2026

Join Us for Dancing Stars 2027

Our 2026 event took place on July 11, and we're looking forward to another exciting year of Dancing Stars. The official 2027 event date will be announced soon.

Interested in participating as a dancer, becoming a sponsor, or attending the event? We'd love to have you involved.

Support our mission

Help us bring the arts to more people.

SACSPA relies on the generosity and involvement of our community to continue providing performing arts instruction. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or participate in Dancing Stars, your support helps sustain the programs and partnerships that make our work possible.

  1. Volunteer Your Time

    Share your time and talents by helping with our community programs, special events, and fundraising activities. Opportunities vary throughout the year.

  2. Sponsor Dancing Stars

    Support SACSPA's annual fundraiser while connecting your business with the local community. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

  3. Participate as a Dancer

    Take part in Dancing Stars of St. Johns County by partnering with a professional ballroom instructor, learning a routine, and raising funds for SACSPA's programs.

  4. Attend Dancing Stars

    Join us for an evening of ballroom performances and friendly competition while supporting a local nonprofit.

  5. Refer a Participant or Organization

    Know a child or senior community that could benefit from performing arts programming? Contact us to learn more about available opportunities and community partnerships.

Black and white portrait of Annette Danielson smiling, with shoulder-length dark hair and a drop earring
Annette Danielson, Founder and Executive Director

Our leadership

Meet Annette Danielson.

Founder and Executive Director

Annette Danielson founded the St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts in 2006, following her recovery from a traumatic brain injury.

Motivated by her belief in the value of creative expression, Annette established SACSPA to expand access to performing arts instruction for children in need and older adults in the St. Augustine community.

Under her leadership, the school has developed longstanding relationships with local organizations and continued providing community-based performing arts programs.

In 2014, she also launched Dancing Stars of St. Johns County in partnership with Arthur Murray Dance Centers, establishing an annual fundraising event that supports SACSPA's mission.

Two musicians laughing together at a grand piano in the Dancing Stars 2025 lobby

Community voices

Support from our community.

“I have covered in video and photos SACSPA under the direction of Annette Danielson for a couple of years. I am amazed for all the work she does with her school, from concerts to events like Dancing Stars of St Johns County. The community must keep supporting her school, for not having SACSPA would make us less of a community. I define her school and work with a single word ‘Love’.”

Jorge RiveraPhoto/Journalist, First Coast TV
A crowded theatre lobby full of guests arriving for Dancing Stars 2026
A young boy in a dark suit playing a grand piano at Dancing Stars 2025

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about SACSPA.

Where does my donation go?

Donations support SACSPA's ongoing performing arts programs, including the Coquina Crossing Chorale, St. Augustine Youth Services, and our weekly virtual performance group. Contributions help sustain instruction and provide creative opportunities for the communities we serve.

SACSPA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Florida Registration #CH54745.

Who does SACSPA serve?

SACSPA provides performing arts instruction to local children in need and older adults throughout St. Johns County. Our programs are offered through partnerships with community organizations and participating facilities.

Can I volunteer without musical experience?

Yes. Volunteer needs vary throughout the year, and not every opportunity requires a musical background. Contact us to learn more about how your time and skills may be helpful.

How can my business support SACSPA?

Businesses can support SACSPA through donations, community partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities associated with Dancing Stars of St. Johns County. Contact us to discuss available opportunities.

When is the next Dancing Stars event?

The next Dancing Stars of St. Johns County event is planned for 2027, with the official date to be announced.

Visit dancingstarsofsjc.com for updates on tickets, participating dancers, and sponsorship opportunities.

Help us continue bringing the arts to our community.

Since 2006, SACSPA has provided performing arts opportunities for children in need and older adults throughout St. Johns County. Your support helps us continue these programs and reach more members of our community.