{"id":20651,"date":"2016-09-12T15:54:53","date_gmt":"2016-09-12T19:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=20651"},"modified":"2016-09-12T15:54:53","modified_gmt":"2016-09-12T19:54:53","slug":"5th-annual-middle-school-latin-dance-competition-sponsored-highmark-blue-shield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=20651","title":{"rendered":"5th Annual Middle School Latin Dance Competition to be Sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

September 12, 2016, Allentown, PA \u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>In celebration of both culture and health, the Allentown School District\u2019s 5th Annual Middle School Latin Dance Competition<\/strong> will be held on Wednesday, November 16, in William Allen High School\u2019s Dr. John McHugh Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. This year, the Allentown School District Foundation is proud to announce the event sponsorship of Highmark Blue Shield.<\/p>\n

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, cha cha, and merengue, from professional dance instructors. Students meet after school throughout the 10-week program to not only learn the dances, but also gain an understanding about teamwork and discipline. Additionally, for many ASD students, this competition is a celebration of their own cultures.<\/p>\n

\u201cHighmark Blue Shield is proud to sponsor the 5th Annual Middle School Latin Dance Competition,\u201d said Susan Hubley, Highmark Director of Community Affairs. \u201cDancing is a fun activity that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle, and these types of programs create opportunities for students to learn, grow and excel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are grateful to the Allentown School District Foundation for their continued support of the Middle School Latin Dance program which 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,\u201d says Irene Blough, Program Founder and Dance Director.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Highmark\u2019s sponsorship highlights the health benefits of a program such as this. 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:<\/p>\n