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Mission
- Promote Physical Activity.
- Provide Nutrition Education.
- Provide Health Promotion Strategies.
- Teach Rhythmic Coordination and Basic dance skills.
- Teach Good Posture and Balance.
- Improve Self-esteem / Image.
- Have FUN, FUN, FUN!!!
- Promote Physical Activity.
- Provide Nutrition Education.
- Provide Health Promotion Strategies.
- Teach Rhythmic Coordination and Basic dance skills.
- Teach Good Posture and Balance.
- Improve Self-esteem / Image.
- Have FUN, FUN, FUN!!!
During our first year of operations, Dance 4 Health achieved the following benchmarks:
* Targeted Specific Subgroup of Youth: Dance4 Health targeted a high risk Latin American preteen group in East San Jose that is statistically prone to diabetes and obesity. Utilizing evidence based research in fitness, nutrition and motivation, the Dance4 Health Educational Model implemented a creative interventional strategy of teaching ballroom dancing as a means to promoting and enhancing healthy eating and physical activity in children and families.
* Exposure: Provided one year of classes in four after school elementary school sites. Attendance occurred two times per week for one hour for a term of six to nine week sessions. * Supportive Relationships: Positive relationships with adults and peers were developed and enhanced. We identified a need for more time and sustainability for the youth and adults to interact.
* Promoting Resiliency: Research supports that resilience among youth is best facilitated by supportive adult relationships, the key to positive outcomes for youth. The Dance4 Health Model demonstrates this benchmark consistently. The collaboration of dance teacher, after school staff members, and parents has been targeted and fulfilled in this program. * Staff Training-- we provided staff training to the YMCA’s after school staff in regards to the health nutrition component of Dance4 Health. We designed a nutritional curriculum for mentoring by the after school staff as a means of educating them along with the children.
*Variety--Dance4 Health provided a program that focused on many elements. Dance, fitness, nutrition, health, and motivation. We provided a connected weekly curriculum of dance, fitness, nutrition and motivation. We utilized music and rhythms, social influences such as Dancing with the Stars, as well as international cultural content.
* Cultural Competence-- although English was the primary language used after school staff was able to respond to the language needs of the participants. This was most helpful during educational family nights. Dance4 Health provided an instructor who is Latina and Spanish-speaking.