Dance Curriculum Toolkit

Title of Resource:  E.D.I.F.Y. Program

 

Target Audience: Educators, Parents

 

Description of Resource:  This E.D.I.F.Y. program, founded, developed and directed by Leslie Scott, is designed to encourage youth of today to heal the world through the performing art of dance.  The program offers, "inter-active seminars on Body Image, Nutrition, Self-Esteem, Effects of Bullying, Positive Use of Social Media, Effects of Sexualization of Dance, Tips for Parents and many more!" (About Section, edifymovement.org/about)  This program offers opportunities for the youth of today to be exposed to new experiences through various outreach programs such as bringing dance to communities with youth that don't have the ability to participate in extracurricular activities such as dance.  Students are able to give back to communities while at the same time gain insight into the real world and some of the unfortunate realities.  The program functions on the belief that dance is medicine which is evident through each of the programs that they offer.  Some programs that E.D.I.F.Y. offer include, "opportunities domestically and abroad to share dance with orphans, the homeless and those that otherwise would not have access to participate in dance classes or the joy of watching a dance performance." (About Section, edifymovement.org/about)  Along with these programs, E.D.I.F.Y. provides support and education about how the dance culture has evolved over time and become increasingly focused on the sexualization of the youth of today.  The pressure of the media, society, and communities today have grown to accept the mindset that it's ok to over sexualize our youth.  The E.D.I.F.Y. movement strives to put an end to this ideal by educating youth and communities about alternatives that they can implement to keep our communities and children safe. 

 

Appropriateness for High School Students:  I definitely think that this program is applicable to high school students as they are one of the biggest targets of the media and society today.  I am not naive to think that I was a perfect child who wasn't exposed to things earlier than I should have been however, as an educator, it is important to educate students about what is appropriate and what is not.  I think as adults get older sometimes they think that teens/young adults are "not supposed to know about certain things because they are too young" but I do think that with age, adults forget what it was like to be a young adult struggling to find your place in the world and navigate through high school feeling like you're an adult when you're not.  High school students need guidance that is appropriate to them at this point in their lives that they could apply to their everyday life.  I think by treating them like young adults and not like children, encourage a more open and beneficial school environment for the staff as well as the students.

 

Use of Resource in Classroom/Ways to Implement this Resource in my Classroom:  Ideally I would love to bring in a different program each year from the E.D.I.F.Y. program into whatever school that I am in.  I would need to take it year by year and determine from the students that I have in class, what program I think they would benefit most from.  I believe in so much of what the E.D.I.F.Y. movement is about and what is promotes for the youth of today!

 

Strengths of Resource as a Teaching Tool (Purpose, Value, Uniqueness, Positive Aspects):  The purpose and mission of the E.D.I.F.Y. program as is stated on the website is to, "The E.D.I.F.Y. Movement, “Educate, Dance, Inspire, Faith = YOU!, aspires to serve and heal the world through Performing Arts." (About Section, edifymovement.org/about)  I definitely see the benefit of bringing the E.D.I.F.Y. movement programs into schools for a variety of reasons.  This program promotes self-confidence and self-esteem as well as the gift of giving back to your community through dance.  I think the idea of sharing a passion for dance with others who are not as fortunate is such an incredible experience that every students can benefit from.  Building and encouraging expanding students "scope" beyond their usual "community bubble" is an unusual yet incredibly empowering experience for every student.  I think that giving students the chance to give back to the world and be able to share in such a rewarding experience of bringing dance to those who don't have is so incredibly rewarding and important for them to experience.  The messages that the E.D.I.F.Y. movement promotes valuable life lessons for students to engage with.

 

Possible Modifications to Resource (Weaknesses, Limitations, Supplemental Resources):  The only limitation I foresee with this resource is the financial support that would be required in order to bring Leslie Scott and her team into the school I am in.  I do think that I would need to do my research in advance of presenting this program to administrators regarding ways of finding funding or money in that budget that could be put towards such a unique program such at this.  The program overall is such a fulfilling experience that I will do anything in my power to expose my students to this amazing experience!

 

Resource Citation: Scott, L. (2015). E.D.I.F.Y. movement. Retrieved from http://www.edifymovement.org/about/