<b>Photos:</b> Kids cut the rug

Dance instructor Danny Ponickly dips Danna Pelaez, 12, as other students watch during lessons at Breed Street Elementary School in Boyle Heights. The program is run by Ballroom Madness, a local nonprofit organization fashioned after American Ballroom Theater, the New York group whose work in schools was featured in the 2005 movie “Mad Hot Ballroom.” (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

March 9, 2014 4:29 AM PT

Students dance at First Street Elementary School. Participants in the Ballroom Madness program learn the foxtrot, the tango, the rumba, the swing and the merengue.
See full story (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Aguayo and Isabel Escobedo, both 10, dance during lessons at First Street Elementary.
See full story (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

Jason Gonzalez, 10, back right, dances with partner Marisol Garcia, 11, back left, at First Street Elementary.
See full story (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

Jason Gonzalez and Marisol Garcia practice another dance move at First Street Elementary.
See full story (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)

Instructor Danny Ponickly, right, does the tango with Danna Pelaez at Breed Street Elementary. Ponickly, artistic director of Ballroom Madness, was one of the teachers who helped launch the New York program. He hopes that, with the help of donations and grant money, the program will have as much success in Los Angeles.
See full story (John W. Adkisson / Los Angeles Times)