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 participation in the Summer Concert Series, allowing 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:

• Individuals seek a strong sense of self
• Individuals reinforce positive values
• Individuals gain skills in the movement art of dance
• Individuals seek creative ways to express through movement
• 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:

• At the minimum seven years old (7)
• Have a 2.5 (minimum) GPA
• One (1) letter of recommendation and show passionate interest for expression through the art of dance, theater, music and/or fine art

Students will participate in special workshops, community-wide performances and experience the opportunity to receive quality art education and mentoring for the duration of approximately nine (9) months through DDI’s community-Wide Dance Program.

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 video games, 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 collectively 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 Showcase 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 communities – families and friends, the results of a year’s worth of hard work, dedication, progress in demonstration of 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.