Take the Lead Dance Project

An 11th grade student wrote "Overall this is a very interesting, helpful, and inspirational dance program for all teenagers.  It doesn't only develop friendships among classmates, it also helps students to be open and friendly to others."

Otis Hackney-The Chief Education Officer for the Mayors office of Philadelphia said "To see almost every type of student dancing together on the stage was demonstration of the promise to what a school can be for so many." 

One principal said "The social dance program helps students realize what positive praise is. It gives our students exposure to the arts and culture that dance offers.  It allows students from different cultural backgrounds to connect with one another."

The mission of  Take the Lead Dance Project is to enrich the lives and education of high school students in Philadelphia through the practice of social dance.  Our vision begins with the belief that social dance is important to the education, growth, and development of young adults. To that end, Philadelphia Dance Foundation is committed to teaching high school students how to work together in a cooperative and respectful manner through the practice of social dance. We want to address the needs of young adults during this very impressionable age. Through social dance, we teach that being ladies and gentlemen can have far reaching affects in both their personal and professional life.  Students learn the importance of cooperation, respect, and self-confidence as well as fitness, coordination, and rhythm. It is a skill that anyone can learn and a sport that lasts a lifetime!  

The Take the Lead Dance Project celebrates  diversity by exploring  different cultures through their respective dance traditions, including Latin dances and styles which originated in Western Europe.  For most high school students, our program will be their first exposure to these forms of dance. Take the Lead Dance Project works with Philadelphia inner city youth in  high school, to help them receive a well-rounded arts education that is necessary to prepare them for a bright future.  Many city schools lack  financial resources for arts education and are forced to eliminate the arts from their curriculum. It is widely recognized that exposure to the arts is critical to the overall educational process.  We know that  social dance, improves cognitive functioning and fosters the social and emotional learning needed for success in other areas of education and life.  Our program is all-inclusive; that is, there is no audition and all students are encouraged to participate.

 We make our program available for free or at a low cost to schools who have are unable to fully fund the program.  For one 10 week course the cost is $1,500.00.  With YOUR help more  high school students in Philadelphia will be able to receive this high quality arts education program and share in the joy we call "social dance"!

Take the Lead Dance Project program details

• A professional Teaching Artist meets with students for a 10 week course that meets twice a week for a total of 20 classes.
• Partner dances such as Merengue, Foxtrot, Bachata, Salsa, Swing, and Tango will be taught. Line Dances are also taught.
• A field trip to Society Hill Dance Academy (Philadelphia's Premier Dance studio for Ballroom Dance instruction)is offered during the course. This visit gives the students a unique learning experience.
• A two hour community workshop is offered during the course. This class gives parents and teachers an opportunity to engage in dancing together to build a stronger school community while delighting in the joy of dance.
• The course ends with a performance that is held on the 20th class. School staff, students and families are invited to attend