We have the pleasure of meeting some outstanding people in our community, people who make it their mission to help others. Those are the traits that make teachers so special – the commitment to help others – and at L.A. Parent we have the good fortune to meet people every day who dedicate their time, and much of their life, to their passion.

Robin Olive is one of those people. Nine years ago, through a serendipitous string of events, she founded Straight Up Abilities, which is a nonprofit that provides professional performing arts training — dance, music and acting — and social-skill growth to students of all abilities. Robin started the program in Los Angeles, but it has since expanded to Orange County, Nevada, Indiana and beyond, and we asked her to share her story.

L.A. Parent: What is your background and what led you to this work?

Robin: I have loved dancing for as long as I can remember. I began training in ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop at 3 years old and always dreamed of working in the entertainment industry. In 2002, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue that dream. In 2008, I came across an ad in Backstage West magazine from Bethune Theatre Dance, looking for instructors to teach dance to students with disabilities. I thought it would be a rewarding experience, but I had no idea it would change my life. Zina Bethune introduced me to a world that had been largely overlooked where talented, passionate individuals were often misunderstood or underestimated. I saw an opportunity to make a real difference. Over time, I realized that our students weren’t just gaining skills but changing the world’s perception of inclusion.

L.A. Parent: Who do you teach and what services do you offer?

Robin: We teach students of all abilities, ages 5 and up. Our programs include in-person group dance classes throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, private music production and DJ lessons in Downtown Los Angeles, and virtual dance, acting and music lessons via Zoom, Monday through Friday. We also offer an extensive summer zoom camp in June and July, providing a dynamic online learning experience for students of all abilities.

Additionally, we are proud to partner with the Rollettes Experience for a special SUPA Workshop on July 10 at the LAX Sheraton Hotel, creating another exciting opportunity for our students to grow and showcase their talents.

L.A. Parent: Where do your classes take place?

Robin: We offer in-person dance classes in Santa Monica, Venice, Woodland Hills, North Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach and Anaheim. We also have an all-star dance team that meets weekly in Studio City. Auditions for the 2025 season will take place in August.

L.A. Parent: How many students do you serve?

Robin: When we launched in 2016, we started with just 35 students. Today, we teach over 500 students weekly.

L.A. Parent: How did you build your team of teachers and board members?

Robin: The most important qualities I look for in a teammate are an open heart and an open mind. Patience is key to being a great teacher. I have been incredibly lucky to find some of the best educators and mentors, and we’re always looking for more like-minded individuals to join our mission.

L.A. Parent: What makes Straight Up Abilities different from other programs?

Robin: Our classes are designed for everyone. We create inclusive environments where students can build confidence and social skills, learn new performing arts techniques or train for a

professional dance, music or acting career. Rather than focusing on limitations, we lean into our students’ strengths and let them shine on their terms.

L.A. Parent: In March you took your all-star dancers to London and Paris. How was the trip?

Robin: This trip was a dream come true. In 2019, The Music Center invited us to a private dance camp with instructors from The Royal Ballet while they were in residency in Los Angeles. It was an unforgettable experience, and we built a lasting friendship with their team. This past February, we traveled to London with 19 all-star dancers, six SUPA teachers and 28 family members. We spent a day at the Royal Opera House where we had a private workshop, a backstage tour and met principal dancers Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae. The highlight was performing in The Paul Hamlyn Hall for over 400 audience members, which ended in a standing ovation and many tears of joy. (See this video.) From there, we traveled to Paris, where we had another incredible experience: A workshop and performance at Disneyland Paris.

These experiences are life-changing, not just for our dancers and their families, but for the global communities that witness their talent. Inclusion in the arts benefits everyone.

L.A. Parent: What is the most gratifying part of your job?

Robin: There are so many rewarding moments. Watching a student walk into their first class feeling unsure and then witnessing their confidence grow over time is incredibly moving. Seeing families celebrate their children’s accomplishments, knowing they are part of something bigger, keeps me going. The most meaningful part is seeing how inclusion transforms our students and the world around them. When you give someone the space to shine, you show the world what’s possible.

If you are interested in dance, or have a child who is, and want to see if Straight Up Abilities is the right program for you, contact Robin at straightupabilities@gmail.com or 213-559-7178.