Dance Programs Empowering Youth

As we enter into the 2018 Year, we are struck by the incredible diversity of our students and instructors around the country, and how dance, as a vehicle, truly has the ability to influence youth from all backgrounds. We recently translated our registration and evaluation forms into Swahili, one of our classes is made up of primarily refugee children and our YDP students come from an array of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.  The DEA YDP teachers provide a wonderful diversity in dance styles (with classes being taught in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, samba and more), and the life paths that have lead our teachers to mentoring youth differs tremendously. No matter what the circumstance or background, all our student dancers and teachers are united in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and positive choices through dance!

We are thrilled to be continuing as a community partner with DEA 360, adding 4 new strategy areas this year: Philadelphia, Newark, Salt Lake City and South Jersey (Atlantic, Camden and Ocean counties). DEA 360 is a comprehensive approach bridging local law enforcement, DEA, DOJ and community partners to combat opioid and heroin abuse in select cities across the nation.

The DEA YDP Campaign “One Step at a Time” continues to expand. This spring we will be hosting special events in Baltimore and New York to raise awareness about drug abuse and how communities can come together to help our youth and families. The DEA Youth Dance Program remains committed to sharing our impassioned message of resisting drugs through the art of DANCE! Thank you for your continued support!