my buddy (the kid whom i played and danced with) was Jane. she's really cute, funny and enthusiastic. she made me carry her thousands of times, because loved this move in the banghra dance, where i lift her up and twirl her around. during our tea break i piggy-backed her to the canteen to watch our hands before we had our food. i really felt like a kid again!
the things we did were, well, childish, but fun (: we did things like play choo choo train and act like chickens and elephants. you enter a world of childish fun and innocence, which i must say, is something i find appealing.
since i'm on this topic, i might as well take the opportunity to share more about the programme. it's basically an outreach programme organised by the YMCA. the programme is designed to reach out to less privileged children aged 7 to 12. this year the beneficiaries were children from the YMCA Tao Nan Student Care Centre and YMCA St Margaret's Student Care Centre. the programme is held annually, and there are usually 3 days which you can choose from. the beneficiaries for each day is different, so i guess it may be possible for you to sign up for more than one day if you are interested.
Care to Dance 2007
Care to Dance is about helping others and having fun at the same time! Organised by YMCA of Singapore and facilitated by Lindy Hop Ensemble, Care to Dance is a project in celebration of SHINE youth festival.
"Dancing and interacting with the beneficiaries has helped give me a positive outlook. It was fun. I had a great time" – 2006 participant Nur Rafiqa, age 15
"I enjoyed it totally, and I am really touched by the kid's attitude towards life" – Michael Chong, age 20
"This programme helped us learn more about kids... It was an enjoyable session and a real eye opening experience " - Betty David, age 29
What to Expect?
Your role as a volunteer will be to befriend a child beneficiary and interact with the child through the games and dance sessions. Together you will learn fun lindy hop moves and even sample some bhangra and bollywood dance moves - all set to catchy upbeat music.
About SHINE
SHINE is a youth festival created by youth for the youth. It is a month long festival to showcase the youth’s diverse talents and skills to shape a better future for the community and celebrate young role models. SHINE is supported by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the National Youth Council (NYC).
About the Organiser
YMCA of Singapore is a Christian not-for-profit organisation founded in 1902 and affiliated worldwide. It seeks to serve and enrich all members of the community regardless of race, language or religion and to develop Body, Mind & Spirit through wholesome programmes which are based on Christian principles.
About Lindy Hop Ensemble
Lindy Hop Ensemble, a YMCA Associate in the Arts, was established in 1997. Lindy Hop Ensemble specializes vintage jazz dances like the charleston, swing and lindy hop. LHE is best known for its innovative treatment of African-American dance with contemporary Asian influences.
About MCYS
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) leads policies, strategies and initiatives to attain their vision of Inspired and Committed Youth for Singapore. Their strategy is to help youth develop a stake and have a say, and to support youth to participate meaningfully in society.
About the Beneficiaries
YMCA Tao Nan Student Care Centre & YMCA St Margaret’s Student Care Centre
YMCA of Singapore runs eight student care centres and three child care centres island-wide. The student care centres provide before-and-after school programmes for children age 7 - 12 years, including children with special needs and children from low income families.
