The Dance Institute of Washington’s innovative Positive Directions Through Dance (PDTD) program combines quality dance training with life skills, including financial literacy and obesity prevention, to help at-risk children and youth succeed in life and learning. Serving the most vulnerable communities in Washington, DC, PDTD is a free dance/youth development program offered after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer for preteens and teenagers from underserved neighborhoods. This successful program reinforces and enriches the core academic objectives of the DC public school system by aligning its curriculum with the DCPS Learning Standards for Arts Education. Additionally, the discipline of dance is uniquely effective in helping young people build character, strive for excellence, perform, engage in community service, and grow their appreciation of the arts. Participants receive classes in classical ballet, modern, hip hop and West African dance, taught in DIW's state-of-the-art dance studios in Columbia Heights. The program includes trips to professional dance performances, tours of area theaters, and culminates in a dance presentation mentored by professional teaching artists. A nutritionist teaches participants about nutrition and how to identify healthy food options. Also, SunTrust Bank volunteers lead weekly financial literacy workshops for students.

If you wish to learn more about the Positive Directions Through Dance Program, contact Jared Fischer, Communications Manager/Grant Writer, at 202-371-9656, extension 1008, or at jfischer[at]danceinstitute.org.