For immediate release

Monday, May 9, 2016

More than 4,000 local students dancing their way to better health

Kingston — Hearts will be pumping and feet will be tapping to the beat of the dance on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 and Wednesday, May 11, 2016, as more than 4,000 local students participate in KFL&A Public Health’s sixth annual Celebration of Dance.  Students from the Limestone District School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board have been learning nine different dance routines over the past few months and they will all come together to perform them with special guest, Mélanie Levenberg, of Dance PL3Y.  

“Celebration of Dance helps students to increase their levels of physical activity, while having a lot of fun,” said Lara Paterson, physical activity specialist with KFL&A Public Health and the Limestone District School Board.  “As part of the Health and Physical Education and Arts curriculum, these students have been practicing the dances for months.  A giant, outdoor, dance party is a great way to celebrate their achievements.”

Mélanie Levenberg is an internationally renowned fitness and dance instructor who strives to bring playfulness to people’s lives through physical activity.  “My mission is to inspire everybody to foster a playful mindset as they get moving and do things that make their minds and bodies feel great,” said Ms. Levenberg. 

Only nine percent of 5 to 17 year olds in Canada meet the daily recommendations of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity.  This year’s celebration of dance will feature two sites to accommodate more students wishing to take part in the celebration.  At Fairfield Elementary School on May 10, approximately 1000 students will dance together and on May 11, at the Fort Henry Historical Site of Canada, another 3000 local students will partake in the same celebration.

Photo and Interview Opportunity

Media are invited to attend the celebration to interview Lara Paterson and Mélanie Levenberg at the following sites.

Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Location: Fairfield Elementary School, 59 Kildare Avenue, Amherstview, ON

   OR

Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2016 

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (students begin arriving at 10:30 a.m.)

Location: Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada

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For more information contact:

Maddie Crothers

Communications and Public Relations Specialist

KFL&A Public Health

613-549-1232, ext. 1236

maddie.crothers@kflapublichealth.ca

ref: PR050916-01