Dance, Dance, Dance
While many people are recovering from a late night of partying and clubbing by sleeping in till noon the following day, the party is just getting started for others.
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While many people are recovering from a late night of partying and clubbing by sleeping in till noon the following day, the party is just getting started for others.
Teens ages 13-17 islandwide are strutting their stuff and taking their best dance moves to Teen Dance Club. Founded by Rafael Webb, owner and founder of Scorpion Management and Marketing, Teen Dance Club provides a positive place for teenagers to socialize and have fun while also giving parents peace of mind to know that their child is in a safe and secure environment.
“I want to give these kids a place where they can go once a month and call it their own ‘club’ - not a party, but a type of club,” explains Webb. “There are so many clubs and events out there, but the kids can’t get into these clubs, and what happens is a lot of them end up sneaking in.
“Give a kid a place to go like this once a month at a decent time where they can come and do the same things they would do at a night club. There has to be different alternatives for these kids. A lot of the time they have no other place to go.”
Webb began brainstorming ideas for this teen hot spot in December 2007, and has been working on it ever since. He kicked off the first club event just last month at Planet Hollywood, not really knowing what to expect. But with a full dance floor, prize giveaways and an all-you-can-eat sundae bar, there was much to be happy about.
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“The kids had a great time,” says Webb post-party, marveling at the thank-yous and smiles he received from the kids in attendance. “Around 100 kids came out; the turnout was good. They enjoyed the photo session, they had a dance contest and all kinds of stuff was given away.
“They kept asking me if I’m going to do this again, and I said, ‘Yes, once a month,’ so now they’re going to tell all their friends.”
Briyani Reyes was just one of many teens raving about the party.
“We had so much fun! The best part was the boys and the dancing,” she laughs, shamelessly admitting another perk is being away from parents.
“It’s a good hanging-out place, and it’s a time for you to get away from your parents, to get away from drama,” Reyes says. “We just come here, have fun and meet new friends. The Boys & Girls Club helps keep you out of trouble.”
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Webb has been spreading the word about Teen Dance Club through nonprofit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA. As a firm advocate of these organizations, he believes collaborating with them to provide great opportunities for teens is highly beneficial.
“These kids are 13 to 17 years old. They’ve got all kinds of hormones going on; they’re going nuts,” Webb laughs, recalling his teenage years. “They need an outlet to burn that energy off, so that’s what I want to give them. That way, they’ll go out of here feeling good. At that age, there are so many things happening, and a lot of times you don’t know why. Sometimes you’re depressed and angry, and once you can work it off and let off some steam, then you can think
about it and talk to someone - maybe a counselor or a teacher - about what’s going on.
“Dance also is a great form of exercise. It’s an excellent cardio workout. Some kids might be lazy, and Teen Dance Club will definitely give you energy.”
For Webb, Teen Dance Club goes beyond a social hangout for teens. Drawing from his own experience growing up in Detroit, Mich., he wants to provide our island youths with a positive environment they can
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