Dallas Trip: Children's Health & Circle of Support

        This past Monday we had the great opportunity to teach breakdancing classes at the Circle of Support Summer Camp in Dallas, TX. Children's Health was given the task to provide health education classes and contacted us to see if we would be open to this opportunity. We jumped at the chance to help create a healthier and happier generation through breakdancing and agreed to volunteer our services. 

        The drive from San Antonio to Dallas took longer than expected but in the end it was well worth it. As soon as we walked into Joseph J. Rhodes Elementary the students greeted us with questions. "Are you the breakdancing guy? Do we really get to learn how to breakdance?" I knew right then that it was going to be a great day. 

Bottom spins bring smiles!

        After we set up the classroom, the first group of students began to pour in and it was showtime. We began each class with a brief introduction telling the students who we were and what we do, then we got the kids moving. "If we can listen without music, then we can listen with music," was my way of helping the students understand that our time was limited, but we could make the best of our short time together.

Students learning "kick outs". 

         Once we showed the kids what was expected of them, they jumped right into the lessons. We started off with spinning down to the floor, then moved on to "kick outs". The students squatted down and leaned back onto one hand, then kicked both legs out to the floor, then brought their legs back quickly to a squat position. This move is essentially a side plank with fast movement added for stylized effect. 

Motivated teachers make motivated students. 

        Depending on each student's skill level, we then taught them progressively harder or easier moves to keep their heart rates and confidence up. The favorite move of the day was the "bottom spin". Students sat on the floor and kicked with their good leg and pushed with their bad hand causing them to spin until smiles grew and laughter was heard around the classroom. It was a fun time had by all. The best part was that the students were exercising and building confidence at the same time. All that was needed was music and open space. No balls, goals, courts or expensive equipment, just space, music and imagination are required. I have first hand experience using breakdancing to stay healthy, gain attention, build self-esteem, and even travel the world. My hope is that I can spark the same interest that was sparked in me in at least one of these students.



        We were able to introduce breakdancing as a healthy and active hobby to over 100 students in Dallas, TX in just one day, now that's what we call a successful day. We would like to thank Trustee Nutall of Dallas ISD for organizing the Circle of Support Summer Camp. Also, Karen Kaighan and Sandra Vasquez of Children's Health for giving us this great opportunity.