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When I think of all of the serious issues facing teens today - drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuity,
bullying, and depression to name a few - I have to wonder why some teens are able to withstand peer pressure
and make wise choices, and others fall prey to the negative influences of their peers.
I believe it is all about a person's level of self esteem. A confident, self-assured teen is strong
enough to say "NO"......a teen with low self esteem wanting desperately to fit in is much more likely to make destructive
decisions.
About Dare To Dream
Dare To Dream is a program I developed through the Boys & Girls Club in my community. I teach
the basic techniques of dance to at-risk kids ages 6 and up. My program also includes a summer dance camp where local dance
instructors and studio owners are invited to donate their time teaching specialized classes and possibly offer scholarships
to especially promising young dancers.
Over the past 11 years, through my dance training and experience as a competitive dancer, I have
strengthened my own self-esteem as well as learned self respect, respect for others, self discipline, confidence, and to "dream
big". I created the DTD program with the ultimate goal of providing at-risk preteens these same opportunities. I
want them to gain confidence, learn a constructive form of self expression, develop creativity, and maybe discover an
untapped natural talent for dance.
Just think: one of these kids could grow up to be the next Barishnikov!
Why Dance?
Physically, dance can provide exercise, improve mobility and muscle coordination, and reduce muscle tension. Research
shows that dance may strengthen the immune system through muscular action and physiological processes and even help prevent
disease.
Emotionally, dance improves self-awareness, self-confidence, and interpersonal interaction, and is an outlet for communicating
feelings.
It is based on the belief that the mind and body work together. Through dance, people can identify and express their
innermost emotions, bringing those feelings to the surface. Some people claim this can create a sense of renewal, unity, and
completeness.
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2007 "Dare to Dream" Summer Dance Camp
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