Dance Programs Empowering Youth

This summer the DEA Educational Foundation Youth Dance Program continues to “dance out drugs'' by reaching youth through summer dance programs across the country. In Maine, the DEAEF YDP is partnering with Portland Youth Dance in a special summer workshop series. In Georgia, The DEAEF partnered with Artesian Alliance and the DEA Museum in Albany for a special workshop and community dance party! Students from the local Boys and Girls Club worked with DEAEF YDP instructor Ian, got a special lunch and tour of the Albany RiverQuarium, then toured the DEA Museum. The next day, students showed off their moves in a special performance for their community, and Ian led a group dance party. In Manchester, a summer camp program was held at Granite State Dance Center with DEAEF Youth Dance instructor, Elizabeth. The final showcase performance was full of enthusiastic family and friends cheering on these students. “Grandparents came to the show too! We had about 45 people at the show! It was huge!!!” said Granite State Dance Center director, Cathy. In Las Vegas, a "Back to School Jam" is upcoming, featuring one day of dance instruction from DEAEF YDP partners Culture Shock Las Vegas. Participants will receive school supplies and other giveaway items to boost excitement for the school year. Children may sign up for multiple classes based on interest. 

The DEAEF Youth Dance Program continues to reach youth with prevention messaging and positive programming “one step at a time.” In 2023 we will have reached thousands of youth in 55 cities and program interest only continues to grow. The DEA Educational Foundation Youth Programs continues to fight drug abuse through education and activities - providing healthy and positive alternatives to drug abuse and misuse. 

In spite of our growth we still need your help in reaching youth and encouraging them to make good decisions for the present and their future. Our waitlist continues to grow and with your assistance, we can continue this critical work providing young people with high-quality, free dance and drug prevention education! 

Links:

• DEA Educational Foundation

The DEAEF Youth Dance Program continues to provide Positive and Healthy Alternatives to Drug Abuse and Misuse to our Communities.

The CDC has reported over 107,000 lives lost to drug overdoses in the past year. Given this tragic situation, the DEAEF continues to work passionately to reach youth with prevention messages and programming that they can relate to in those critical hours after school. 

The DEAEF is impressed every day by our teaching staff and their commitment and dedication to the young people they serve. In the face of difficult situations and spur of the moment challenges, they continue to inspire and uplift the young people they are working with through high-quality dance classes and positive mentorship.

This year, the YDP students were exposed to many styles of dance including cultural dances such as Flamenco, Indigenous Fusion, tap, ballet, hip hop, Brazilian,jazz and more. These experiences are engaging and provide a healthy outlet all while uniting people through dance. 

The DEAEF regional managers and instructors are trained to bring important education and messaging to youth about the dangers of drugs, focusing on wellness and self-confidence. DEA continues to be our most valuable partner, facilitating site visits and discussions with youth about drug facts, telling the "local story" of each community, and stressing the importance of positive decisions and healthy outlets, like dance.

We continue to make an impact by providing hope to children through the Youth Dance Program “one step at a time.”