By Helen Borland / Staff

The mission of JV Outreach is to make a positive difference in the lives of children though dance. That goal has been accomplished for the past two years by providing free dance classes at Waller Parek Recreation Center, Holcomb Bridge Middle School and Tolbert-Yilmaz School of Dance.

Kerrey Lynch, Joby Aranda and Myron Abernathy, instructors at JV Outreach, teach the children choreographed routines that include hip-hop and a Latin mix of salsa, meringue and bachata. The kids perform the dances several times at the end of the program at different venues.

The second year of the program had some returning students as well as some new faces. At the July performance, this year's class performed two choreographed routines for family and friends at Tolbert-Yilmaz School of Dance. Everyone enjoyed the performance and got into the act. Some guests even got up between performances and learned some new hip-hop and salsa moves!

According to Jacqueline Vergez, Executive Director at JV Outreach, Inc., these dance programs are making a difference. She gives much credit to Nancy Tolbert, owner of the dance studio, for providing the space and her generosity in giving scholarships to the students who participated in the JV Outreach program so that they could continue to learn to dance. Both the kids and the parents are excited about the program.

Part of the funding of this program was provided by the Fulton County Commission under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.

JV Outreach Needs More Funding to Continue Serving Students

Because of the progress and positive influence JV Outreach is making, they wish to have a greater impact in the community by providing more dance programs. A fundraiser, sponsored by the popular Havana Club, is going to be held on Saturday, August 14 from 4-8 p.m. at the Havana Club Atlanta, 3112 Piedmont Road, Atlanta. Admission is $10 per person (cash only, no credit cards), and guests must be 21 or older to attend.

The program includes salsa, hip-hop, swing, rumba, 80's, learning some new moves, a cash bar and music by DJ Jorge Gomez. There's something for everybody.

Testimonials Tell the Impact of Dancing on Young People

One 13-year-old from Holcomb Middle School gave a testimonial. She wrote, "I think our dance teacher Joby is very fun and I enjoy working with her. Shehas a really good personality and I hope one day I can be like her and help teenagers follow their dreams and express their feelings by dancing. A special thanks to all the people out there who are supporting this program and I hope it will last forever."

Several parents expressed their gratitude for the scholarship and the efforts to help the kids learn to dance. One mother wrote, "The wonderful dancing class will always remain in the kids’ memories."

From the sponsoring teacher at Holcomb Bridge Middle School: "JV Outreach has held classes at Holcomb Bridge Middle School for two years. It is so exciting to see the new young faces each time the program begins, beaming with expectancy. The first year, there was so much interest that we had to have a waiting list!

The program continues to attract a diverse group of students. JV Outreach gives kids who love to dance a chance to express themselves and make friends with others who share their interest. And it does all of that at no cost to the school or to the students.

The students at Holcomb Bridge have benefited greatly from the program. Students who participated in the club last year cultivated lasting friendships with other JV Outreach members. The kids also gain a mentor in the dance instructor. The instructors are very interactive with the kids, and the kids look up to them. The program is a place where kids can come and everyone is on an equal playing field. No one feels not appreciated or not wanted. Other concerns are eliminated. It is all about dance!

Participating in the program also helps kids learn how to work in a team and help each other perform at their best. It has been a privilege to have the program here for the last two years. As the faculty sponsor at Holcomb Bridge, I thank you for your support in keeping this program alive."

For more information, contact Jacqueline Vergez, Executive Director at JV Outreach, Inc., 770-912-1057, www.jvoutreach.org.