Each summer, the DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF) helps young people discover confidence, creativity, and healthy alternatives to drugs through the power of dance. From Ohio to Maine to Nevada, DEAEF's Youth Dance Program partners with local dance organizations and community leaders to provide free, high-quality instruction where children can express themselves, build friendships, stay active, and have fun while being exposed to the benefits of living a drug-free life.

Many of these partnerships have been part of their communities for years, creating lasting opportunities for young people and introducing new generations to the joy of dance and living a healthy lifestyle.

A Decade of Dancing in Lima, Ohio

This June, 13 students gathered at Liberty Magnet Charter School in Lima, Ohio, for four mornings of dance, creativity, and fun. Participants explored different styles of dance, tried on colorful costumes, and celebrated their accomplishments by receiving DEAEF T-shirts and certificates.

The Lima program is one of DEAEF's longest-running dance partnerships. The DEAEF has been bringing its Youth Dance Program to the community since 2014, first working with Lyn Mulcahy through Lyn's Academy of Dance and, more recently, with instructor Meghan Mulcahy. Over the years, classes have been offered at both Lima North Middle School and Liberty Magnet Charter School, introducing hundreds of local youth to dance while encouraging healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

Continuing a Tradition in Portland, Maine

In Portland, Maine, DEAEF continued another longstanding partnership by offering six free dance sessions for youth ages 7 to 13 at Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio. This summer marked the sixth year of DEAEF's summer dance camp in Portland in partnership with Portland Youth Dance under the leadership of Elizabeth Lau. 

Ten students participated in this year's program, receiving DEAEF T-shirts while learning new dance skills in an encouraging environment. Organizers also hope to expand the program into a local school this fall, bringing dance to even more students.

Looking Ahead to North Ridgeville

This August, DEAEF will once again partner with Ballet Legato in North Ridgeville, Ohio, for three mornings of dance instruction.

The partnership began through the DEA 360 Strategy Cleveland initiative and has continued for more than seven years with support from the DEA Educational Foundation. Students participating this summer will receive DEAEF T-shirts and certificates while enjoying a welcoming environment where they can learn new skills, make friends, and build confidence through dance.

Helping Las Vegas Students Start the School Year Strong

As students prepare to return to the classroom, DEAEF will once again co-sponsor Culture Shock Las Vegas’ annual Back to School Jam in August. DEA Los Angeles and Las Vegas will also be on site for a prevention education presentation.

Hosted at the Culture Shock Las Vegas Dance Center by Executive Director Vangie Bisquera and her team, the free event introduces children and teens to energetic hip-hop and street dance workshops led by professional choreographers, Las Vegas Strip performers, and members of Culture Shock's performance company. In addition to learning new dance routines, participants receive school supplies and giveaways to help them start the school year prepared for success. DEAEF will also provide a guest speaker who will share an important drug prevention message.

The event typically attracts between 50 and 75 students and reflects DEAEF's commitment to providing positive activities that promote healthy lifestyles while connecting young people with mentors, friends, and opportunities to stay involved in dance.

Building Confidence One Dance Step at a Time

Although each program is unique, they all share the same goal: giving young people a positive place to learn, grow, and thrive while learning the benefits of living a healthy life and making good decisions.

Whether a child is taking their very first dance class in Lima, returning for another summer in Portland, participating in North Ridgeville, or kicking off the school year in Las Vegas, DEAEF's Youth Dance Program helps children build confidence, express themselves creatively, and discover healthy alternatives to drugs.

Year after year, these partnerships continue to make a difference, one dance class and one child at a time.