Students in Wayne Hurley’s kinesiology activity (KAC) 10 class finish the last steps of their hip-hop routine, the music stops, and then he asks what the routine needs to go to the next level.
According to Hurley, details in a dance routine can mimic important details in life outside the dance studio.
“The messages of staying drug free, staying in school, and staying away from gangs and violence are the three most important things kids need to take hold of now,” said Hurley. “Instilling these messages in them while they are young is important because the message will stick with them forever.”
Hurley, founder and director of Developing Positive Attitudes for a New Coping Experience (D.A.N.C.E.) Empowerment, started the nonprofit organization in hopes of changing young lives. The organization’s mission statement reads: “Our mission is to empower the community through the integration of a physical, educational, social, and character-building curriculum to prepare students for a promising future.”
The organization teaches at-risk youth how to dance to help keep them off the streets.
“It keeps kids doing something positive after school,” said Sheng Vang, a director at D.A.N.C.E. Empowerment. “Rather than having kids come home and do nothing or getting into trouble, they are doing something active and positive.”
Students in the program participate in the program’s class, Music History 101, where they learn the background of hip-hop. They are also involved in D.A.N.C.E. Empowerment’s leadership program, mentoring groups, Students for Success tutoring and community service.
Hurley vividly remembers the details of starting D.A.N.C.E. Empowerment. After performing and touring live with “Power Rangers,” he discovered he wanted to develop a dance program. “I wanted to do something just for kids,” said Hurley.
After collaborating and brainstorming ideas with friends, D.A.N.C.E. Empowerment was put into motion and became a non-profit organization in 1997.
Though he teaches dance, Hurley never studied dance as a child.
“My mom played a lot of music growing up,” said Hurley. “I always wanted to be a rapper, singer or some type of entertainer, but I never specifically danced.”
Hurley choreographed routines for celebrities like Kevin Federline, taught at various schools and recreation centers and performed on the TV show “Star Search.”
“He has put all his passion and heart into this program,” said Aaron Locke, a dance teacher at D.A.N.C.E. Empowerment.
“Just by having one student in my program and educating them on life issues is a positive change,” Hurley said. “I like taking the time for that child.”