FLEX DANCE PROGRAM INC
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Mission Statement
We primarily concentrate on the instruction of Flex: a unique form of street dance that originated in Brooklyn in the 1990s. With Flex having its roots in the Caribbean, it is a culturally relevant outlet for many, given NYC's extensive Caribbean community. Two documentaries; “Flex is Kings” (Schoo & Nichols, 2013) and “Lords of BSV” (Soccor, 2014) highlight some of the major Flex events, and continuous evolution of the dance style. Mission: At the core of our work is the fundamental belief that no youth should be in detention! Facing recidivism rates of 80% and higher - it is clear that the system is broken, and we believe that instead youth should be granted increased access to recreational programs like art, dance and mentoring as well as other resources. We believe that dance is an instrument for change, a powerful tool to break conformity, and that dance and movement is a part of the solution to a system that is stuck. Our mission is to foster growth among young people in difficult circumstances through dance and creative mentorship. By providing positive outlets for self-expression, FDP offers participants healthy solutions to avoid conflict and foster growth.
About This Cause
Population: In New York City’s poorest communities, young people are going to detention at a rate of close to 70%. Nationally, 70% of detained youth are accused of nonviolent offenses. FDP’s primary audience are the estimated 1,000 - 5,000 youth in detention and foster care facilities in NYC. Most FDP’s students are African American and Latino, and low-income, with limited access to both art and mental health services. According to OCFS - 80% of youths released from detention centers return within three years. - 95% of youths entering detention are of African American or Latino descent. - 83% percentage of youths in detention require mental health services [MMR08] - 68% = percentage of youths came from areas where poverty rates are between 32% and 46% [DHMH]. Detained youth suffer disproportionately from: lack of access to mentors and the arts (platforms to express and create); lack of positive community engagement; stigma, including low self-esteem and prevents access to jobs; and lack of engagement with school. FDP believes in building access for youth to develop their artistic talents and professional skills through internships and opportunities to perform. Some of our Project Goals: The Flex Program provides sessions where storytelling is activated through movement and freestyle performance. Many adolescents are dealing with challenges in expressing themselves. Through our movement and freestyle sessions, we aim to introduce the youth to various ways of communicating individual stories, and transforming emotional material that might be challenging to express verbally. Alleviate stress and tension the youth might experience throughout the day in the Correctional Facility Foster social and emotional competencies and physical well-being in a safe and nurturing environment. Provide opportunities for youth to explore their interests and creativity. Build skills that support academic achievement and raise participant expectations, confidence and collaboration with other residents and staff. Cultivate youth leadership and community engagement. Strength teamwork and critical thinking skills through dance and freestyle performance.