Arizona’s children are growing unhealthy and obese at alarming rates, with physical consequences of Type 2 diabetes, orthopedic problems, and cardiovascular disease in their adulthood, accompanied by psychological damage, social exclusion, ridicule, and low self-esteem. These conditions intensify for children living in low-income, at risk communities. To battle the situation, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that all children engage in 60 minutes of physical activity daily as a health building effort. However, nearly 3 out of 4 children in AZ are not meeting this recommendation, with physical activity numbers trending downward.
Sport has been increasingly recognized and used as a high-impact tool in health-building efforts, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Most competitive sports, however, require audition and many children remain outside of selection; many bring elevated risk of physical injuries, pressure and even bullying. Parents are often unable to afford the team costs. As a lifetime sport, however, ballroom dance offers a healthier choice that is easy to make. It is inclusive, no auditions or special skills are required, and all children are welcome. Ballroom dance helps children to mature physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively through low impact activity. Research supports the fact that participation in dance and movement develops the young brain and increases cognition: students have higher test scores and graduate school.
At DanceSport Education, our mission is to create life-long impacts in the lives of young people in Arizona through participation in ballroom dance as both an extracurricular activity at their schools, and also, as a competitive sport. The DanceSport Education program aligns with Arizona’s Department of Health plan to fight obesity by increasing the number of children participating in physical activity. The ballroom dance program provides children with physical activity that uses all muscles and yet is enjoyable, appealing and fosters sustained interest. It stimulates participation regardless of athletic ability, body habitus, gender, or physical fitness.