Focusing on foundational components that are building blocks of the six dimensions of health, we utilize those to parallel movement principles with the dance of life. Exposure to a viable art form enables participants to develop creative expression that energizes the environment and offers the spectator an edifying experience. Our student population serves approximately 120 – 150 students annually and culminates with an end of the season production that allows participants to apply skills and knowledge gained in a professional presentation.

Participants understand themselves, their inherent abilities, values and use the knowledge and skills gained to explore new possibilities, goals, new ways to positively effect their community with this form of expressive art.
1. Individuals seek a strong sense of self
2. Individuals reinforce positive values
3. Individuals gain skills in the movement art of dance
4. Individuals seek creative ways to express through movement
5. Individuals are introduced to discipline, active, natural, cognitive, energy and how to apply it to artistic expression.

This scholarship Program provides financial support for training and exposure to the art and theory of dance movement/presentation. This serves as a resource to the disadvantaged youth and young adults to enhance their personal sense of value,
reinforcement of academic skill and development as a creative and innovative leader for the future. Being selected for the AAA scholarship Program will afford students the opportunity to express their artistic development and share their personal growth.

Those students who are selected must be seven years old (7) or older, have a 2.5 (minimum) GPA, one (1) letter of recommendation and show passionate interest for expression through the art of dance. Students will participate in special workshops, community-wide performances and experience the opportunity to receive quality dance education and mentoring for the duration of approximately nine (9) months through DDI’s community-Wide Dance Program. This program is currently serving six (6) students ranging in age from 7-13 years of age. This program currently hosts three young men and three young ladies.

The purpose of the enrichment programs, Moving In His Rhythm After School Enrichment, Divine D.E.s.I.G.n. summer Enrichment and the Pneuma Dance Project, is to provide integrated experiences where the student can fulfill a variety of dimensional needs. The students will be exposed to the awesome realities of a purpose-driven existence, the kinesthetic cultivate environment, explore ideals and values in order to develop high standards and positive feelings about themselves and others. This summer enrichment program will also provide a multisensory approach in the development of dance skills, and academic development while providing exposure to the performing arts as a means of community service and performance. This program incorporates instructional strategies which reinforce assessment tasks and performance based activities that focus on cognitive learning, creativity, problem solving, reading comprehension, and verbal/written reflection of each process. The format encourages logical thinking, self esteem, excellence in academic endeavors, preparation for community service, and ultimately life success.

TAP, Teacher Apprentice Program—through Teacher Mentorship for young aspiring dance educators and instructional professional development, is committed to supporting and providing our teaching staff with high quality learning opportunities in a variety of contexts and formats. Emphasis is on a rigorous teacher development program that provides knowledge and skills to effect practice and student achievement. This is best accomplished by developing the capacity of teachers through customized learning experiences designed to maximize teacher experience, development and effectiveness.

TAP is primarily responsible for developing, preparing, managing, delivering, and monitoring teacher professional learning opportunities. This program provides workshops, seminars, master classes, coaching and mentoring, internship experiences and financial and material resources for teachers. In future with accreditation, the goal is to provide certification options for licensure and credits toward a degree. Moreover, the department is proactive by responding to emerging federal, state, and local mandates that impact the delivery of instruction, work directly with teachers to model and provide professional learning related to key initiatives and interventions to develop the whole person through academics in arts.

Our mission is to provide an alternative source of recreation for youth ages 12-19 by providing information, support, and a safe environment through community intervention. The participants were given various options for leisure activity such as Sony Playstation’s (Madden), a Wii station, a movie area, talent contests, recreational sport activity outdoors during the warm months, field trips as a group, teen talk group sessions, a music listening and dance station and much more. The young people were able to work on social development within an environment that was conducive to positive growth. Good food and great conversation fostered the intimate embodiment of relaxed leisure in a safe environment. “This was a great way for DDI and our motto:” Moving in His Spirit of Excellence,” to reach out to members of the surrounding communities offering an encouraging experience that is unparalleled.”

The purpose of the emerging Artist showcases is to offer young artists the opportunity to share their own creative expressions through the arts. “Bringing Hope to a Hurting Society” is the theme that participants utilize as a common thread to share innovative works in progress. Ranging in age from 12-19 years old, youth open up a taste of the future in the present. We also share our induction ceremony for the students who have earned 3.0 or better in academics and dance, serving as a chapter for the national Honor society for Dance Arts, we reward students for the hard work and perseverance as they balance between academics and arts.

Since June 2003, Divine Dance Institute has provided students with an exciting experience through its June concert presentations. The annual staple of the dance institute, the concert, offers our students a professionally directed presentation that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, progress and also practical application of technical training to deliver a message that, edifies people, and advances our society. The concert, now known as a danscial, infuses dance, mime, sign language, music and drama into a presentation that is engaging and rewarding! This “Divine Experience” allows the participant and the spectator another opportunity to have an awesome encounter through the art in movement.