El Olam Cares Youth & Teen Enrichment Programs

Explore the programs that El Olam Cares offers to nurture artistic growth, provide professional training, and create positive impacts for youth, teens, and adults throughout Metro Detroit and beyond. Learn about our signature initiatives, including the Monday Choreography & Technique Class and the 2-Day Dance, Mime, & Music Intensive.

Action & Results:  Over 350 individuals, including approximately 150 youth and teens, will participate in our 2-Day Intensive, culminating in an impactful
final-night performance. Additionally, our ongoing Monday Choreography and Technique Class offers separate, focused instruction throughout the year. Both programs uniquely unite diverse participants, primarily from the Metro Detroit area, providing rare access to professional dance and music training. Our goal is to foster a lasting appreciation for the arts among participants and remind the community of the continued presence and importance of arts programs in Detroit.

2-Day Dance, Mime, & Music Intensive

Our flagship program, the 2-Day Dance & Music Intensive, serves as a creative space where youth and teens come together to learn from professional dance and music instructors. With over 350 participants each year, including 150 youth and teens, our program provides an opportunity for young people from various backgrounds to explore dance techniques and develop musical skills. The program also emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and self-discipline, as participants collaborate on choreographed performances and uplifting songs.

Monday Choreography & Technique Class

Our Monday Dance Technique Classes serve as the foundation of the Youth & Teen Enrichment Program, offering weekly sessions where participants develop essential dance skills and build a strong technical foundation. These Monday classes are designed to support the holistic development of youth, combining dance, health education, and leadership training to empower them to lead fulfilling, disciplined lives both inside and outside of the dance studio.

Monday Dance Technique
Our Monday Dance Technique Classes serve as the foundation of the Youth & Teen Enrichment Program, offering weekly sessions where participants develop essential dance skills and build a strong technical foundation. These classes focus on several key areas, including:

• Dance Foundation: Students are taught the fundamental principles of various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, and liturgical dance. These classes help participants build strength, flexibility, coordination, and a solid understanding of dance technique.

• Benefits of Healthy Living: Alongside dance, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy body through proper nutrition. Participants learn the connection between physical activity and healthy eating, gaining knowledge on how to fuel their bodies for peak performance. This includes discussions on healthy meal planning, hydration, and the role of nutrition in overall well-being.

• Leadership Skills: The Monday classes also focus on cultivating leadership qualities in youth. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the class, learning how to support and motivate their peers. Leadership training helps participants develop confidence, public speaking skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in group settings.

• Choreography: Students engage in choreography creation, where they learn to express their creativity and individuality through movement. These sessions allow them to apply the dance techniques they've learned, offering them an outlet for artistic expression while refining their performance skills.

• Maintaining a Healthy Body: Beyond dance, the program also introduces students to other physical activities that support overall health, such as stretching, strength training, and mindfulness practices. The goal is to equip participants with the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both through physical exercise and balanced nutrition, ensuring they not only excel in dance but also develop habits that contribute to their long-term health and success.

These Monday classes are designed to support the holistic development of youth, combining dance, health education, and leadership training to empower them to lead fulfilling, disciplined lives both inside and outside of the dance studio.

2-Day Dance & Music Intensive
Our flagship program, the 2-Day Dance & Music Intensive, serves as a creative space where youth and teens come together to learn from professional dance and music instructors. With over 350 participants each year, including 150 youth and teens, our program provides an opportunity for young people from various backgrounds to explore dance techniques and develop musical skills. The program also emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and self-discipline, as participants collaborate on choreographed performances and uplifting songs.

Key Program Components:

• Youth Scholarships: Annually, we provide 25-30 scholarships to low-income students, covering tuition, travel, and attire, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent youth from participating.

• Dance Classes and Mentorship: Our dance curriculum includes ballet, jazz, modern, and liturgical dance. In addition to technical dance instruction, students receive mentorship, focusing on life skills, leadership, and faith.

• Performance Opportunities: Students showcase their talents through regular performances, both within the community and at national events, which serve to boost their confidence and reinforce the value of hard work.