In line with its commitment to community engagement, health promotion, and quality education, the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Advanced Studies in collaboration with the University Outreach Program (UOP) office, successfully conducted an outreach activity titled “Three-Dance Step Up: A Latin Dance Syllabus Workshop for Kids’ Wellness” on 18 to 19 July 2026 at the Bonifacio Elementary School, Baguio City.
The activity was organized by the Master of Science in Physical Education and Sports (MSPES) students in their Latin Dance III course headed by Professors Keven John Allit, PhD, and Dennis Daw-as, PhD. Beyond teaching dance routines to the learners, the MSPES students (Jayson Abenoja, Vanisa Alam-am, Samantha Kay Baniago, Cerisse Joanne Ekid, Raigern Lornwilq Peralta, Sherwin Santiago) served as facilitators and dance instructors, highlighting Latin ballroom dancing as an accessible and enjoyable form of physical activity that promotes cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination, and body awareness, while fostering self-confidence, teamwork, discipline, creativity, and meaningful social interaction.
Throughout the two-day activity, the MSPES students applied the knowledge and competencies they had acquired in physical education, sports, and movement sciences while demonstrating the basic figures and techniques of the Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, and Jive in an engaging and supportive community environment. The parents of the learners and teachers of the school actively cheered on the learners, and they also prepared meals and snacks for the MSPES team and those who were present during the activity.
Fulfilling SDG 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG 17 on Partnership for the Goals, the “Three-Dance Step Up: Dancing Toward Wellness with Latin Ballroom” outreach activity is a testament to SLU’s continuing commitment to extending knowledge beyond the classroom, empowering communities, and inspiring healthier lifestyles. (Article by Joel Cuthbert F. Valdez, MSPES Student | Photos by MSPES students)
