Dancing After School (D.A.S.) is an exciting and unique organization that provides dance programs to low income youth for free! Based in San Diego, sites are located throughout South-East San Diego and Chula Vista and provide meaningful dance fitness programs to approximately 1,000 3rd-7th grade students each week! Dancing After School responds to many issues that affect youth in our San Diego communities, such as: delinquency, gang activity, propensity toward risky behaviors, poor diets, sedentary behaviors, and lack of positive role models.
The Program: D.A.S. is offered to students 3rd- 7th grade and is held on school grounds, conducted by professional dance instructors, supervised by DAS program staff, volunteers, parents, and school faculty. Every day after school, there is a dance class. During the intake process, students choose from Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Tango, Hip Hop, Break Dance, Swing, Mambo and Capoeira classes. The program is voluntary, but once the students register for a particular class, attendance is mandatory. Dance class terms last from 9-13 weeks depending on the season and depending on the school. During the term, students work on dance concepts, choreography and coordinating costumes. They learn self-discipline, build character and strengthen respect and healthy relationships with caring adults. Students gain a sense of responsibility and work together to achieve goals and plan for the final event. At the end of each term, DAS holds a Student Performance. There, all the student groups, some instructors, and some outside student groups all perform. Student Showcase performances are fun and energetic events where hundreds of parents and community members attend these events to share the pride and sense of accomplishment with the young performers.
Population Served: Under-represented and low income youth, families, and schools. Typically, the program is offered to 3rd- 7th grade students that are considered “at-risk.” The vast majority (65%-97% depending on the school) of D.A.S. students are enrolled in and participate in the free and reduced lunch program offered at their school.
Program Purpose: Address serious issues that face youth in target areas of San Diego For students: build confidence, build self esteem, self- respect, respect for others, improve health, improve self discipline, heighten cultural awareness, and enrich students lives with music and dance.
Schools and Learning Centers Currently Served: Elementary Schools: Knox, Otay, Fulton, Audubon, Rodriguez, Burbank, Los Altos, Cherokee Point, McKinley, Rolando Park, Garfield, Franklin, Central and North Park. Learning Facilities: Juniper and Copley.
Number of student performers: Approximately 1,000
Number of schools on waiting list: 14
Number of Dance instructors: 41
Budget for 2008: $98,940
501c3 Tax ID #: 35-2270419
