Treasure Coast Dance Club, Inc., (TCDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, established in Martin County, Florida and incorporated July 22, 2010, serving the Treasure Coast (Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.)



Objective:  The programs of TCDC are intended to improve participants' health and well-being, both physical and mental, by reducing the incidence of obesity which, as everyone knows, is a widespread and "growing" problem. In Florida, 25% of the population in 2009 were obese, according to the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Even among children, almost one third are overweight, putting them at risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, asthma, and sleep apnea. Overweight is also associated with dementia. The cost to the health care system to treat these conditions is at least 25% of all health costs. This is expensive for individuals and increasingly unaffordable for our country. By contrast, the relatively low cost of learning and enjoying a lifetime of dance activity can reap huge rewards for both individuals and for society as a whole.



Physical benefits:  Dance, an exercise that is both fun and challenging, leads to better overall health through improved physical fitness, weight loss and weight control. Like other low impact exercises such as walking and cycling, dance tones the whole body, improves posture and balance, increases stamina and flexibility, and reduces stress.

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Mental benefits:  In a widely publicized, 21-year study of senior citizens aged 75 and older, led by Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, funded by the National Institute on Aging, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, dancing was the only physical activity that offered protection against dementia: 76% reduced risk compared to reading (35%), bicycling and swimming (0%), doing crossword puzzles (47%), and playing golf (0%). It seems that individuals who dance are more resistant to the effects of dementia as a result of having greater cognitive reserve and increased complexity of neuronal synapses. 

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Social benefits:  Besides improving overall physical health and resistance to age related dementia, the dance programs provided by TCDC are intended to promote social awareness, good etiquette, self-esteem, confidence, respect, teamwork, and discipline. In addition, dance provides a wholesome, healthy social and emotional outlet for people of all ages.



Programs:  The core activities that support the TCDC mission are already in place, in the lineup of group and private dance instruction currently offered at Craig's Dance Studio. In addition, we envision creating separate group classes and social dances for specific age groups and for mixed age groups. Summer and school break dance camps will be created for teens and young adults. "Seniorsize" exercise/dance classes are also planned.



Funding:  Programs and activities will be funded by a combination of nominal fees charged to participants, contributions, and grants. Donations can be designated for particular purposes, for example, to underwrite classes or dance events of a particular genre (West Coast Swing, Argentine tango, Salsa, etc.). Funding will also be used to sponsor dance programs for underserved kids, seniors, or other groups with particular needs.

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​TCDC NEEDS YOUR HELP 

Programs like TCDC don't get off the ground without the active involvement and support of people like you. There are many ways you can help bring the joy, as well as the physical and mental health benefits, of dance to the attention and the lives of those in our community.



​DONATE::   

Of course TCDC welcomes your donations!  Monetary donations can be designated for a particular purpose or used wherever it is most needed. In-kind donations are also appreciated to support the studio where we conduct many of our activities:  paper towels, trash bags, bottled water, copy paper, cleaning supplies, etc. Donations are fully tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

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BUZZ:  

Tell your friends about TCDC, and about dance lessons and events at Craig's Dance Studio.

Post a TCDC flyer or calendar on your club, church, gym, grocery store, school, or work bulletin board.

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NETWORK: 

Let us know, or have them contact us if you know...

A dance instructor who is good with kids, teens, adults, seniors.

A group that could benefit from dance activity but needs an instructor or leader. 

A writer or broadcaster looking for a new story.

A person with connections to foundations or corporate charities.



 

To be continued...