{"id":51813,"date":"2017-11-08T23:59:13","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T04:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=51813"},"modified":"2017-11-08T23:59:13","modified_gmt":"2017-11-09T04:59:13","slug":"6th-annual-latin-dance-competition-features-81-students-4-middle-schools-newcomer-academy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=51813","title":{"rendered":"6th Annual Latin Dance Competition Features 81 Students from 4 Middle Schools & Newcomer Academy"},"content":{"rendered":"

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November 8, 2017, Allentown, PA \u2014 In a celebration of both culture and healthy activity, the Annual Latin Dance Competition<\/strong> will be held for the sixth time on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.<\/strong> The public is invited to attend this special performance.<\/p>\n

This year, the Allentown School District Foundation (ASD Foundation) is proud to announce the sponsorships of Highmark Blue Shield and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

\u201cHighmark Blue Shield is proud to once again partner with the Allentown School District\u2019s Latin Dance Competition,\u201d said Kathy McKenzie, Highmark vice president of community affairs. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAllentown School District Foundation\u2019s 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,\u201d says Irene Blough, Program Founder and Dance Director.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Highmark contributed $5,000 for the program and Phantom Charities has also granted $1,000 of program support.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n