In Colorado, Dance Exploration, LLC has served over 100 schools with our safe and educational after school dance, cheer and theater program. Each of our classes serve an average of 10 participants and 3 rounds of students. If we were able to expand our reach into 100 schools in each state nationwide with our Dance Ambassador program, we could bring a safe and educational after school option to children in 5,000 schools and potentially 150,000 additional children nationwide could be enriched by the opportunities our 'Dance to Learn!'™ Curriculum provides.

Why are after school programs important?

According to the Afterschool Alliance Fact Sheet 11.3 million kids are left unattended during after school hours (usually between the hours of 3 and 6p). Children are more likely to get into 'trouble' during these hours.

It's been determined that children who do participate in after school programs have fewer absences, perform better, are better behaved and score higher on tests than students who do not participate in an after school activity. (Weissberg, R.P., et.al, 20 10)

There are 19.3 MILLION children who would participate in an afterschool program if one were provided to them! That's 19.3 million children who could potentially benefit from a Dance Ambassador visiting their school with the 'Dance to Learn!'™ Curriculum!

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What are the Outcomes of After School Programs?

• Improved attendance and engagement in learning
• Improved test scores and grades
• Students at the greatest risks received the greatest gains
• Keep kids safe, active and on track
• Help working families

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What are the Physical Activity Statistics for After School Hours?

Based on a report conducted by America After 3 PM (Afterschool Alliance) 13,709 households completed a survey on their expectations of afterschool programs and if the programs were meeting these expectations.

• 8 in 10 parents surveyed agreed that after school programs should keep the kids physically active.
• 8 in 10 parents believed the programs should be fun for the kids.
• 68% of parents will enroll their children in after school program based on how much physical activity it may provide
• 2014 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth? by the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance gave a ?D-? which means most children are not receiving 60 minutes or more of physical activity 5 days per week
• 84% of parents believe that After School programs should offer the opportunity for children to be physically active
• The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that youth between the ages of 6-17 should exercise for 60 minutes daily.
• 44% of school administrators have admitted to having to cut physical education activities int their schools to make room for other academics during school hours
• 1/3 (32%) of children are considered overweight or obese
• Only 56% of parents realize that there are standards for after school programs that provide physical activity

Read the Source

What are the Outcomes of After School Programs?

• Improved attendance and engagement in learning
• Improved test scores and grades
• Students at the greatest risks received the greatest gains
• Keep kids safe, active and on track
• Help working families

Read the Source

What are the Physical Activity Statistics for After School Hours?

Based on a report conducted by America After 3 PM (Afterschool Alliance) 13,709 households completed a survey on their expectations of afterschool programs and if the programs were meeting these expectations.

• 8 in 10 parents surveyed agreed that after school programs should keep the kids physically active.
• 8 in 10 parents believed the programs should be fun for the kids.
• 68% of parents will enroll their children in after school program based on how much physical activity it may provide
• 2014 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth? by the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance gave a ?D-? which means most children are not receiving 60 minutes or more of physical activity 5 days per week
• 84% of parents believe that After School programs should offer the opportunity for children to be physically active
• The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that youth between the ages of 6-17 should exercise for 60 minutes daily.
• 44% of school administrators have admitted to having to cut physical education activities int their schools to make room for other academics during school hours
• 1/3 (32%) of children are considered overweight or obese
• Only 56% of parents realize that there are standards for after school programs that provide physical activity

Read the Source

How Can Dance Exploration help or improve these statistics?

Providing a physically active and fun program to students
All Dance Exploration, LLC 'Dance to Learn!'™ classes include physical activity! Classes inlcude a warm up section designed to warm up muscles with easy stretches, cardio and strength exercises. Across the floor and center activities get the children moving. Activities are designed to improve agility, balance, coordination, strength, mobility, and flexibility. Finally a choreography section (learning a dance to pre-set moves) can be challenging and fun! Our program is fun, dancing is fun! Upbeat music, learning new moves, dancing with props or in groups- our 'Dance to Learn!™ Curriculum is designed for the whole child in mind. It's not just teaching dance, it's allowing children to express themselves through dance and movement! Encouraging creativity in designing and choreographing their own dance moves.

Providing more physical active hours in a day
Our programs are 45-60 minutes long! With the decrease in physically active hours offered to children in schools, they need as many hours of movement and activity as they can get!

Combating childhood obesity
Along with providing an hour of added activity to our students' day, dance evolves around active and healthy individuals. We encourage our students to live more active lifestyles through a family engagement program. This gets parents moving at home with their children- adding more physical activity. If parents have healthier and more active lifestyles, so will their children.

Improving the awareness of Dance Standards
Like standards for afterschool programs, there are also state and national standards of dance education. Our 5 Methods of Dance™ follow these standards and we are train our Ambassadors on the national and state standards.

Now you know how adding Dance Ambassadors across the US can further enrich the lives of school children nationwide! Make a pledge today to help us get more kids active and dancing!