Speaking!

I was able to go to the Christmas Box house again on Friday. But instead of speaking to the youngins, I spoke with a group of teenage girls. At first they thought I was going to move in there with them until I sat down with them and told them what I was there for and what we were going to do with them. I have to say they were some of the sweetest girls I have met. They were so excited to not only learn dance but especially be able to show me thier own dance moves. Prior to teaching them dance I had a chance to sit down and talk with all of the girls. We talked about building self-esteem, what makes them sad or happy, and how they can keep positive feelings in their lives even when times are rough. They were very outgoing and shared alot of their experiences and thoughts. I gave them a "positive notebook" in which they can write in each day, all the positive things about themselves. I also asked them what they wanted to be when they grow up and what it will take to get there.
Three Key Points we discussed:
1. Education
2. Never Give Up!
3. Always Believe !

The girls were able to guess these key points, through a few key hints and after our discussion about what it takes to reach your goals. It was so fun to see how they responded to the Dance4Life program. As you can see it is not only helpful for the primary school age kids but also for our teens as well!

Children's Shelter - great place, great kids!

" Making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and families."

Today I was able to speak to a youth group at the Christmas Box House in Salt Lake County.

Prior to meeting with the kids I prepared a speech to share with them about self-esteem, believing in yourself, education (staying in school, and the importance of going to school to gain knowledge and skills to become what you want to in life) and to never give up. Along with speaking, I met with the kids and was able to know their names and see a bit of their personalities. The place was very quiet, very clean and well organized. A safe place for kids to go. I taught them two dances and they loved it. I had two little boys who were so in to it, I loved watching them because you dont expect them to want to dance or to necessarily be good at it and they were! I handed out "positive" notebooks in which the children can write in on a daily basis. They are supposed to write positive thoughts and words for them to go back and look at when they are having a bad day. I asked them what they had learned and they said staying in school, never giving up and believing in themselves. They all said that dance made them happy, they felt cool becuase they got to learn something new and they liked it.

While I was there two police officers walked in to visit and I found out that one of them was a ballet dancer - who would have guessed. He knew all the moves we were doing and I asked him how dance made him feel. He said it allowed him to express himself in any way possible.

As you can see Dance has a huge impact on all people. It doesn't have to be just children.

pictures from concert!

2nd annual Dance4Life concert

I wanted to share with you how the Dance4Life concert went last Friday. In a nutshell it was AWESOME! I was very pleased with how many people came particularly due to the Easter weekend and the Kids having Spring Break. Something I hadn't considered when we set the date.

Anywho, I got there early to set up and one of the girls in the Dance4LIFE program was there a half an hour early. She was so excited to perform and she had her Grandpa bring her. She was practicing on the side and waiting for everyone else to show up. I am just amazed at these kids and their talents and abilites in learning through creativity and the arts. I can see how important Dance is and can be in the lives of our community's children!

We had a wonderful and full audience and the Nu Skin Jazz dancers came and performed too! They also signed posters and for the kids and we all had a chance to "jam" together. We were fortunate also to receive donations for the club from some of those in attendance which was very generous and heartwarming! The kids were so happy and so darling as they danced their dances that they have been learning over the past few months. Their expressions and cute personalities most defintely came through on stage.

Prior to the annual concert the kids from the Sandy Club were able to perform at the REAL stadium as well as at the formal fundraiser for the club. The more opportunitites they get the better because this program gives them instills in them the confidence and belief in themselves that they may not get elsewhere. I am so happy and thankful that I am able to help them have those opportunities to learn and grow from. And honestly, what they give back to me is simply irreplaceable! Love these kids!

Sandy Boys & Girls Club Dance4LIFE Concert!

The Sandy Boys & Girls Club will be performing their 2nd Annual Dance4LIFE concert on Friday at 5:30. Arial Larsen, Miss Pioneer Valley 2009, has instituted the Dance4LIFE program for at-risk children and is working to implement it at many Boys & Girls Clubs and other at-risk groups throughout the valley. THIS FRIDAY FROM 5:30 – 6:00 P.M. is their second annual concert and they would be delighted to have a great showing from our community. The event is free and serves 3 key purposes; 1) to raise awareness and funds for the club, 2) provide an opportunity for the kids to share, learn and grow, and 3) show them our love and support! We hope you’ll help us to share this message while enjoying a great dance concert put on by the kids from Sandy’s club.

Many other Boys & Girls clubs throughout Utah and the country NEED OUR SUPPORT! In this tough economic time, clubs are struggling to keep programs moving forward and caring for and providing a place for these children to come. We must keep the community aware of the need for their support and the role the Boys & Girls Club play for many of our children. Please join us this Friday!!