While ballroom dancing is publicized with shows such as Dancing with the Stars, noticeability absent on the dance floor and at competitions are the dancers from underserved populations including African Americans and Hispanics. Likewise, these same populations need interventions to address disproportionately high rates of obesity, heart disease, and hypertension. Some of the well-documented benefits of ballroom dancing—increased physical activity, enhanced cognitive functioning, and self-confidence—represent a viable intervention. Therefore, Baker New Life’s mission is to promote ballroom dancing as a health initiative and provide scholarships to underrepresented DanceSport competitors.

MISSION

Baker New Life seeks to:

• Promote ballroom dancing as a health initiative in the community.

• “Improve the quality and quantity” of ballroom dancing with underrepresented dancers of color.

• Provide scholarships and support for DanceSport competitors.

ASSOCIATIONS

Baker New Life is a member of the following associations:

• USA Dance, Inc.

• Atlanta DanceSport

• National Dance Council of America (NDCA)

Below are links that provide more research on the benefits of ballroom dancing as it relates to health and wellness.  Click on the titles to view. 

4 Exercise Benefits of Ballroom Dancing

Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter

Ballroom Works

Ballroom Dancing and the Olympics