Dance For Success does not have a studio and all classes are taught at public schools and community centers, free of charge to the Title-1 schools and the students.


OUR DURING SCHOOL PROGRAM:

During the 2008 - 2009 school year, Dance For Success taught the entire fifth grade at 12 Title 1 elementary schools. Since 2007, Dance for Success has taught more than 1300 children, 20 lessons each.

These classes take place during school hours. Our program is adaptable to school initiatives and schedules. Our only requirement is that everyone in the fifth grade participate unless there are religious or medical reasons that prohibit them from dancing.


Each course consists of 20 dance lessons for each fifth grade class at the school. All fifth graders participate during the same 10 week period. At the end of the course, all children participate in a showcase, in which they dance for their teachers, family and friends. Dance For Success provides the MC for the event and all the dance instructors are there to support the kids as they perform.

In the first ten weeks of the 2009 - 2010 school year Dance for Success will be teaching at Tangelo Park, Richmond Heights, Hungerford Elementary, Meadowwoods Elementary and NorthStar High School. A total of 20 classes a week. We are currently scheduled to teach at Ivey Lane, Rock Lake, Lancaster and are in the process of scheduling more schools for both the second ten weeks and the last eight weeks of the school year.


OUR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS:

We teach entire grade levels in each participating Title 1 Elementary and Middle Schools. During this time, we develop a relationship with the children and an expectation for respect, responsibility and good behavior. The children asked us to continue the program after school. Our after school program started in February 2009 at Westridge Middle School and Mollie Ray Elementary School. During the 2009 - 2010 school year we will be teaching at Westridge Middle School, Ivey Lane Elementary School, Mollie Ray, Pine Hills and are in the process of setting up more schools. The after school program is voluntary, and is coordinated through various 21st Century learning communities.

BALLROOM DANCING:

  • Increases Excercise
  • Improves a child's ability to relate to peers from other cultural groups
  • Improves social skills
  • Improves their ability to manage their behavior
  • Increases respect for others
  • Significantly impacts childhood obesity issues
  • Increases the chance for a child to graduate.

Furthermore, children who complete the course have increased:


  • Optimism and Confidence
  • Motivation
  • Health and Wellness
  • Trust in Others
  • Social Support
  • Comfort and Connectedness
  • Diversity and Compassion for Others