Dance Program

What is the Dance Program? 

The UNITY Youth Dance Program will resume classes in January 2025 and will introduce youth to the soulful art form of dance. The Dance Program will engage youth ages 7 to 19 and will provide a platform for youth to learn and perform the foundations and basics of mainstream dance, soulful styles including; African, hip-hop, lyrical and praise, tap, and jazz.

What are the goals of the Dance Program?

UNITY’s primary goals in Dance are to:

• Decrease the risk of youth obesity and obesity-related disease by increasing health knowledge through nutrition and physical activity education, and increasing physical activity levels through dance.
• Increase the likelihood of positive life outcomes for youth by countering risk factors and Adverse Childhood Experiences through protective factors.
• Increase youth engagement in performing arts and culture programs, which is shown by research to positively affect academic performance and achievement in school.

What will the Dance do for youth?

Youth who participate in UNITY’s Dance will:

• Be exposed to positive peers and adults in a safe environment that empowers students to strive for excellence and practice our organizational principles of respect, discipline, confidence, and value for education.
• Be able to demonstrate their understanding of technical and artistic elements of soulful dance as well as their knowledge and familiarity with historically and culturally influential dancers of soulful styles.
• Have the opportunity to perform choreographed dance pieces at a showcase at the end of the course.
• Attend community events and performances from other dance companies

When and where will the UNITY Dance classes be offered?

The classes will be held Wednesdays, 6:00 PM to 7:05 PM for students 11 and over and 6:50 PM to 8:00 PM for ages 10 and under. Classes conclude May 23rd. Dance will be held in the UNITY Program & Training Center (PTC) in the Dance/Multi-Purpose Training Lab, a state-of-the-art space featuring two full walls of mirrors and ballet bars, an audio system, a projector, a projection screen, and a recording system that can record live dance rehearsals.

Spring Showcase Recital

The Spring Showcase Recital for all students is May 13, 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Purdue Music Center.

How can I get more information about the Dance Program or get my youth involved?

Email us at info@upaf.com or call the UNITY PTC office at (260) 755-2662.