You can’t save the world with dance

But you can dance your way to a better life

There’s power in the subtle moves of Rebecca Davis’s dance lessons. Steps take on a life of their own, opening the floor for more than artistic expression.

Founded in, her organization MindLeaps began as a studio. An instructor and choreographer from Vancouver, Davis wanted to create contemporary ballets based on literary works and modern social issues. Five years later, however, she found herself on the other side of the globe, helping children in post-conflict countries. Davis runs a non- profit organization that uses dance in a three- step model to build confidence and cognitive skills in children. Active in Rwanda, Bosnia- Herzegovina and Guinea, her mission isn’t “to save the world with dance,” but rather realizing the potential in children marred by conflict.

“We found kids in post-conflict zones had something in common: they love to dance,” she says. “So we use this as a tool to build confidence that can prepare them for other challenges.” Participants in the program often come straight from the street.

“You can’t ask a lot from them,” she says; some stay and others won’t. Those who do receive vocational training and basic computer classes with a focus on academic topics. If they demonstrate the right learning curve, participants are offered the opportunity to attend regular boarding schools, the program’s final step.

“These kids come from a violent background and are often alone,” says Davis. “They have gaps in basic skills usually needed for school and can lack trust and confidence. A safe environment without commitment allows them to feel safe and in control.” Her view is that dancing is accepted across cultures, genders and ages, meaning it can be used to fill in those first basic gaps, but with a goal to prepare children for structured learning.

A handful have now made it through all three steps and are attending boarding schools funded by donors and other organizations. Davis dreams of expanding her model and even joining forces with a larger organization. It’s no easy task, but as with every performance, each hour of practice and each step forward carries an immense reward in itself. “It’s extremely hard to create change. But that’s what makes this such a rewarding endeavor.”

You can’t save the world with dance

But you can dance your way to a better life

You can’t save the world with dance

But you can dance your way to a better life

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