The Latin Dance Youth Program (LDYP) under the direction of Manuel Martinez will start offering salsa/mambo and cha-cha-cha classes for the youth. The LDYP was started with the goal to offer young people positive alternatives and guidance towards a well-rounded childhood and adolescence. This program is intended to teach beyond dance -- our mission is to empower youth with the necessary skills to understand and appreciate the importance of cultural awareness, education and family values through dance.

Manuel’s experience with kids and teenagers is vast and varied. While still a teenager in Puerto Rico, Manuel was a voluntary instructor in a Karate program for disabled teenagers. He later was the musical director for a church music youth group and after finishing his studies in the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, Manuel became the director of the Music Program for a catholic school for fourth to twelfth graders. In Baltimore, Maryland he established a similar model of the LDYP calling the attention of the Baltimore City Paper leading to an article about the youth program. In Arlington, Virginia, Manuel worked with the Public School System training teenagers in salsa/mambo. These experiences have strengthened Manuel’s desire to work with children and teenagers in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area establishing the Latin Dance Youth Program.

Another way to participate with the LDYP is through the sponsorship of students by contributing towards a student’s tuition, collaborate with the purchase of the student’s dance outfits, etc. You can also be part of the LDYP by donating your time assisting with fundraising efforts, organization of events, promoting the program and more. Thank you.