MacDill Youth Center Dance

"Kapri," a Los Angeles, California native choreographer, instructs youth from the MacDill AFB Youth Center Dance Team at the youth center here July 14. Members from the team consist of military dependants and meet regularly to enhance their dancing skills. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Rylan Albright/Released)

MacDill Youth Center Dance

The children at the MacDill Youth Center Total Dance Experience Dance Camp Team practice dance routines and moves at the youth center here July 14. Members from the team consist of military dependants and meet at the week long summer camp to enhance their dancing skills. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Rylan Albright)

Total dance experience summer camp; keeping youth active

Published July 24, 2009
By Senior Airman Tania Reid
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MacDIll AFB, Fla. -- Children at the MacDill Youth Center learned new dance skills, and enhanced their fitness at a Total Dance Experience Camp July 14.

The participants at the camp were taught line dancing, swing, ballroom and hip hop styles during the camp. There were brief discussions on dance and dance related careers.

"This is the first year that MacDill has had this summer camp, it's an Air Force wide program that encourages the children to get up and move" said Charles Lechner, Youth Center director. "It gives the children at the Youth center more options to get involved in physical activities."

Both the classes were divided into one section for children ages 9 to 12 and another for ages 13 to 18 The camp were free to Youth Center members only.

"The children really seemed to enjoy themselves at the sessions," said Mr. Lechner. "It gave them an opportunity to experience different dance styles and get background information on the development of the art."

While the camp was a way to give the children at the Youth Center more activities to enjoy their summer it gave them a chance to get involved with the community.

"I think the summer camp helped the children enrolled not only to improve physically but socially," he said. "They made friendships with the other children in the camp and were able to help each other stay motivated."