Dancing Classrooms Philly (DCP) is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 by local advocates and philanthropists with the mission to foster self-esteem, social awareness and bring joy to local fifth and eighth graders in the Philadelphia area.

Ballroom dance teachers associated with the organization come to the classrooms and teach ballroom dance lessons to the kids every week throughout the majority of the school year. These lessons help foster mutual respect for peers and provide a sense of well-being and an appreciation for physical movement. The kids love it and the organization has now worked with over 16,000 children in different school environments since its initiation.

Recently, DCP has partnered with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to provide health lessons to go along with the dance classes as part of a resident advocacy project.

Each year, CHOP residents teach 10 total health lessons on different organ systems: the heart, the brain, the musculoskeletal system, etc. The lessons run about 30 minutes long and are very interactive, with plenty of opportunities for the students to ask questions.

Residents have loved volunteering because it is a chance to connect with local kids in the Philadelphia community. Additionally, it's a great opportunity to impart knowledge about health and overall well-being outside of the Hospital or clinic. This advocacy project has been handed down year after year and continues to be a great success!

About Resident Senior Advocacy Projects: At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Community Pediatrics and Advocacy Program (CPAP) integrates an expanded focus on advocacy and community-based pediatrics into pediatric resident training. Senior Advocacy Projects are the capstone of the CPAP curriculum and training.