Young Men: The Danseur Development Project

Danseur Development Project

The Danseur Development Project was developed in 1991 to combat the rise of violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancies, and many issues teenagers face on a daily basis.

The program facilitates mentoring of young males by providing a constructive, inventive release through the discipline of dance. The intense, athletic training they receive utilizes professional dance technique to teach life skills such as discipline, responsibility, accountability, and team work. Waverly T. Lucas, II and Jose Rivera provide intense, athletic training and body movement to youth ages 7-21 in both group and one-on-one sessions. The program utilizes a creative tool enabling young men to express themselves and give voice to issues they are confronting. Weekly classes are offered September -May, on the weekends, and after school.

"It kept me off the streets and it gives me a foundation for life. Now I'm working on other guys to come here too. It could make such a difference in their lives, as it did mine."
- Willie Anderson, 20
"It was very clear to me. If I didn't have dance I would have most likely ended up in prison or dead!"
-Waverly T. Lucas, II (Founder)