November 8, 2017, Allentown, PA — In a celebration of both culture and healthy activity, the Annual Latin Dance Competition will be held for the sixth time on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The public is invited to attend this special performance.
This year, the Allentown School District Foundation (ASD Foundation) is proud to announce the sponsorships of Highmark Blue Shield and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
The Latin Dance Competition is an opportunity for students from the four middle schools in the Allentown School District to learn a variety of Latin dances, including the salsa, bachata and merengue, from professional dance instructors. Students also learn about teamwork and discipline throughout the 10-week program.
“Highmark Blue Shield is proud to once again partner with the Allentown School District’s Latin Dance Competition,” said Kathy McKenzie, Highmark vice president of community affairs. “The Competition does an amazing job of promoting teamwork and encouraging students to be active and healthy. We are happy to continue our support of this program that gives students the opportunity to learn while having fun.”
“Allentown School District Foundation’s Middle School Latin Dance Competition provides students with an opportunity to be part of a team that learns, refines, and practices a beautiful art form in order to shine together on stage before an appreciative, supportive and loving community,” says Irene Blough, Program Founder and Dance Director.
For many ASD students, this competition is a celebration of their own cultures. At this evening on November 15, the Phantoms mascot, MeLVin, and the William Allen Canary will help to announce the winners in many categories as well as the grand champion.
Highmark contributed $5,000 for the program and Phantom Charities has also granted $1,000 of program support.
The program highlights the health benefits as students get regular exercise while learning new and fun skills. The Health, Safety and Physical Education standards include factors that affect the relationship between regular physical activity and motor skill improvement, including:
- Success-oriented activities
- School-community resources
- Variety of activities
- Time on task
Students from each school meet one day a week after school to learn these four dances leading up to the competition.
The dance instruction and support team consists of:
Irene Blough – Dance Director
Mercedes Van Aken – Dance Instructor
Eric Bass – Dance Instructor
Brenna Schlossberg – Dance Coach, Harrison Morton Middle School
Tara Beaky – Dance Coach, Raub Middle School
Maria Bonilla – Dance Coach, South Mountain Middle School
Jennifer Halucha – Dance Coach, Trexler Middle School
Beverly Rickles – Dance Coach, Newcomer Academy
Vicki Newhard – ASD Foundation Administrator
Please join us for a fun-filled evening of truly beautiful dancing.
Mark Your Calendar
November 15, 2017, 7:00 p.m.
Latin Dance Competition
William Allen High School
John F. McHugh Auditorium
106 North 17th Street, Allentown
Tickets: $5.00/adult & $3.00/student with ID
Allentown School District Foundation
With a vision for enriched education for Allentown School District students, the ASD Foundation mission is to encourage, promote and support innovative educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. If you would like to learn more, please contact the foundation at 484-765-4093 or williamssu@allentownsd.org. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown PA 18105. www.allentownsd.org/asdf.
Information Provided By:
Susan L. Williams
Executive Director
Allentown School District Foundation
31 South Penn Street
Allentown PA 18105
www.allentownsd.org/asdf
