Move to Groove

One year ago I was involved in a event that change my life. In collaboration with the American Heart Association and Miss Barbara's School of dance,"Move to Groove" was born. This health initiative hosted by the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Public School system was created in efforts to get people moving!At this event more than 5 children had a BMI or Body Mass Index that was above weight requirements for their age. I wanted to make a DIFFERENCE. As a dance teacher and teaching artist in the community, I have seen first hand the lack of physical activity our children are getting. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. Physical activity is so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Growing up, I spent most of my time playing outside, rather it be roller-blading, biking or simply racing friends to the other end of the street. Unfortunately times have changed...Today, children experience a very different lifestyle. Walks to and from school have been replaced by car and bus rides. Gym class and after-school sports have been cut; afternoons are now spent with TV, video games, and the internet. Parents are busier than ever and families eat fewer home-cooked meals. Snacking between meals is now commonplace.

Because of this...
childhood obesity rates in America have tripled. Today, almost one in every three children in our nation is overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. If we don't solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma.


This year marks the one year anniversary of the Let's Move Campaign. Let's Move is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams.

Already I have spent countless hours in the community centers and schools ensuring and helping kids become more physically active through dance.

Check out this article I found on a Kansas city school initiative to get moving! Also money raised for their event benefited the Children's Miracle Network, Miss America's national Platform! I Love it!
!Click Here