DANCE- FOR YOUR HEART!
WELLNESS PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE AT OI

WHEELING, W.Va. (February 15, 2008)- Dance is good for your spirit- and your heart!  The wellness class at Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance will conduct wellness programs February 23 at the studios on National Road in Wheeling. Held in conjunction with the nationwide Day of Dance for Health, programs aim to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and how dance contributes to a healthy heart.

Hosted by Spirit of Women hospitals, Day of Dance for Health is an annual event that motivates women and their families to take action to improve their health with a focus on a health and wellness lifestyle. Day of Dance for Health brings together women of all ages for a day of education, physical activity, health screenings, community celebration and fun. Public programs take place is more than 50 cities throughout the U.S.

Under the direction of wellness instructor Angela Thompson, students designed informational posters that are displayed throughout the studios and distributed information from the American Heart Association about heart disease and prevention.  Thompson and her students also visit all Oglebay Institute dance classes to discuss cardiovascular wellness and distribute heart healthy snacks.

Wellness students are also working with the Wheeling Fire Department to get CRP certified.

“The health of our dancers is one of our biggest priorities,” Oglebay Institute director of dance Cheryl Pompeo said, “That is why we began offering a wellness class for students. I am so pleased that Angela and her students are providing these educational programs.”

Day of Dance for Health is celebrated in the United States each year through thousands of events held in small towns and large cities alike. The annual celebration maintains a website at www.dayofdance.org

Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance offers dance classes for all ages and levels of experience. With dozens of topics to choose from, classes range from classics, like ballet and tap, to modern dance, ballroom dance and belly dance.