CHULA VISTA
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Laura Mendoza, 29, stood on the stage in the auditorium at Otay Elementary School, 16 eager students hanging on her every word. “I'm gonna teach you guys a double spin,” she said, demonstrating.
The girls' eyes widened in excitement as their teacher spun around twice, perfectly poised in her landing.
It was the first lesson of “Salsa Divas,” part of Dancing After School, a newly formed nonprofit that is taking free dance classes to elementary, middle and high schools throughout the county. Otay Elementary is the first school in the program. The organization focuses on schools that are in low-income neighborhoods or where students are struggling academically, although the directors eventually want to cha-cha and swing their way into schools with a variety of backgrounds.
“The program is suitable for anyone,” said Walter Meneses, president and founder. “We made a decision to help the kids who don't have the opportunity because of money. Then we'll give the opportunity to everyone.”
Students can choose from different disciplines, including all-girls salsa, cha cha, hip-hop, tango and swing. They practice several hours a week after school and, after a six-or eight-week session, students put on a performance for their families and peers.
The nonprofit launched its program toward the end of last year at Otay Elementary. About 110 students participated, and of those, nearly half were boys, said Sarah Lumbert, program director.
“Many of the students involved are performing below grade level and some have learning difficulties,” she said. “We try to offer a positive environment, even when they misbehave and aren't focused.
“The ones who misbehave or act out in our classes, but don't drop out, are the ones that we take special attention to keep them engaged, because we believe those are the ones at most serious risk for making unhealthy choices.”
Dancing After School recently took its footwork to Knox Elementary School in San Diego and hopes to be part of six schools by the end of the year.
“Our goal is to find funding for two middle schools and two high schools in 2007,” Lumbert said.
The organization employs about 11 instructors. Some parents and school staff members volunteer to help supervise classes, Lumbert said.
Instructor Tiffany Kyoda, 20, began dancing in Okinawa, Japan, several years ago before moving to the United States.
Her biggest challenge?
“Getting the boys and girls to hold hands,” she said. “We still have a little bit of trouble with a couple of them, but for the most part, they just jump right in and we dance.”
Gloria Villarruel, 10, counted out loud at a recent salsa practice, moving to the beat – right, left, right; left, right, left. Her ponytail swung with her, bouncing as she pivoted on the floor and swayed her arms.
“I like the steps and the routines,” she said. “It's a lot of exercising and a lot of fun.”
Like Gloria, her classmates were quiet and attentive. They concentrated on pleasing Mendoza, who is a stickler for technique, and emulated her movements.
“A lot of these kids want to dance, but don't know where, or can't because of their income,” said Mendoza, who also directs her own adult salsa company. “This helps girls get confident with themselves.”
Besides building confidence, dance helps students build respect for themselves and others, and improves health, coordination, flexibility and discipline. It also gives children a better appreciation of music and art, Lumbert said.
“We're addressing childhood obesity,” she said. “We also want to provide a safe alternative for students after school. These days, kids are growing up more insulated – with Myspace.com and video games – and we think that it's better to have a balance of interacting with real people and interacting with technology.”
Meneses, a dance instructor from Peru, had the idea to start the organization after many of his adult students said they wish they had started training when they were younger.
It took about a year to fill out the paperwork and obtain nonprofit status, he said. Now, the challenge is to choreograph well-crafted grant applications and funding initiatives, as the organization doesn't charge the schools, teachers or parents.
Funding is necessary for instructors and supplies, such as water, costumes and other bills. Although the organization will raise some money through donations and events – including fashion shows and dance performances – they also hope to bring in some revenue through selling their calendars for $10 apiece.
“I wish this program would have been around when I was a child,” Meneses said. “These kids need attention. They need this type of talent. When they do something and feel great, their self-esteem goes 'Wow.' ”
For more information on Dancing After School, visit www.dancingafterschool.org or call (619) 301-5624.
Sharon Heilbrunn:
(619) 593-4957;
sharon.heilbrunn@uniontrib.com
Sharon A. Heilbrunn is a community news assistant in the East County office.
