Health Department sponsoring dance contest
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 8, 2008 1:46 PM
Hoping to inspire young people toward physical fitness, Health Department is sponsoring the "biggest amateur dance contest in Wayne County history" during an upcoming community health fair on Oct. 18.
James Roosen, health director, said the idea for a countywide health fair came about during discussions Mount Olive Family Medicine physician Dr. Alma Jenkins in conjunction with the program "Eat Smart, Move More."
Since obesity is on the rise, it just makes sense to motivate youth of all ages to do something they enjoy as a form of exercise, he said.
"We want to get kids out there to move and dance, show us their spins," he said. "Dance is a good form of physical activity."
"So You Think You Can Dance Wayne County" is open to all Wayne County youth grades K-12, and will take place on that Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at Wayne Community College.
Participants can be individuals or groups, with each given one minute to perform to a pre-selected musical piece.
There will be three levels of competition, Roosen said, with cash prizes awarded. At each level -- elementary (K-4), middle (grades 5-8) and high school (9-12) -- first place winners will receive $100, $50 will go to second place and $25 to third.
Entries will be judged on creativity, charisma and moves. Dances and costumes must also be tasteful, or will result in disqualification from the contest.
Entry forms are available through schools or online at www.waynegov.com/health. Deadline for entries is Thursday.
For more information, contact Rovonda Freeman at 731-1288 or rovonda.freeman@waynegov.com.