Totally Fit!
Based in Houston Parks and Recreation Facilities
Totally Fit is a free program for girls ages 6-16 and is designed to benefit kids and teenagers who are economically disadvantaged and in need of healthy activities. Our goal is to encourage and inspire these girls to get in better shape through dance, an art form that combines elements of exercise as well as self- expression. Dance Houston works in partnership with a team of professional counsellors, nutritionists, and nurses to ensure the pursuit of healthy lifestyles by the participants.
Dance Houston successfully completed its first Totally Fit session from May 1 - October 2, 2010 at Freed Community Center in Spring Branch. On June 12, the girls danced in a recital, giving them the opportunity to perform for their parents, friends and family. By the end of the program, there were a total of 13 girls who decreased their BMI with a total weight loss
of 22.3 pounds. We are so proud of them! On average, the girls lost a half a pound each, which is quite a remarkable feat considering the normal growth rate for people their age is 5-7 pounds a year. Several of the participants were vocal about how much they enjoyed the program and gave us great feedback.
The participants develop strength, flexibility, endurance and positive body images under the guidance of specially trained teachers. Classes focus on self-esteem, social skills and physical fitness. As you can see, this program does not only help kids and teenagers with their physical fitness and body image, but it also helps them build the confidence they need to succeed in life.
How the program works is simple. The children and teenagers attend a Saturday morning session for 7 weeks and take classes that are geared toward their individual needs. When the participants register, they are interviewed and asked what styles of dance they would like to learn. Based on the interview results, the most popular styles are taught throughout the session. Styles taught include but are not limited to hip hop, salsa, bollywood, ballet and much more! Trained counsellors also follow up with the participants on a monthly basis for a period of one to three years.
Another great component of this program is the parent nutrition class. This class is offered every week the program is going on and during the same time as the kids’ session. The class serves as a forum for parents to voice their concerns and ask questions on how they can get their kids to eat healthier in general. The instructor arranges a supermarket tour with the parents so they can get advice and ask questions about eating healthier while looking at the products. Not only is Totally Fit giving the kids the tools to live a healthier lifestyle, they are getting the parents involved, too.
Overall, the program is very helpful in getting kids active and educated about living healthier lifestyles. The open communication about nutrition combined with physical exercise is making an impression on the participants. The program has a positive impact on the kids’ lives and they report genuine interest and excitement for the program.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Commission on the Arts for funding this program. Their support makes these programs possible.
- Our current session of Totally Fit runs October 22 to December 10 at Freed Community Center.
- Our next session will be January 21 - March 3 at Hartman Park.
We expect the program to expand tremendously in the summer due to increasing financial contributions from grants, foundations and donations from people like you. If you would like to join our efforts in helping children lead healthy and active lifestyles, please consider making a charitable contribution today.
If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , call us at 713.526.1049 or drop by our office on weekdays from 10am-6pm.