Annual teen dance extends to all ages

Informational packets and flyers are on display at the Maxwell Medical Clinic to promote what healthy relationships should be. During the annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Dance, parents can show their teens how they should expect to be treated on a date. The event is February 24, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Maxwell Youth Center Gym. It is also open to anyone with base access and for all ages. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tammie Ramsouer)

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Annual teen dance extends to all ages

Published Feb. 10, 2017
By Senior Airman Tammie Ramsouer
42nd ABW Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --

The Family Advocacy Program will host the second annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Dance, Feb. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Youth Center Gym.

The FAP created the dance to give parents and their teenage children the chance to get together and learn how to build healthy and respectful relationships, while also having fun. The connection between parents and their children is one of the main goals the FAP strives to make stronger at this event.

“Part of the reason we started with this event is so parents have an avenue to spend time with their kids and show them how to be treated on a date,” said Daphne O’Hair, 42^nd Force Support Squadron Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate. “I feel that we spend so much time hammering on kids what you shouldn’t do, that they just tune us out, so this is something we like to do to get out positive information in a fun way.”

This year, the dance will have a few changes that will allow more people to participate.

Parents or grandparents, who have base access, will be allowed to bring their children or grandchildren to the dance; no age restriction for children.

“It’s funny, we had quite a few dads call us last year and ask if they could bring their younger daughters, so we are allowing it this year to see how it goes,” said O’Hair.

A DJ will show dance moves, such as line dancing, to parents and kids throughout the event which will have an opportunity for them to show off their dance skills.

Group activities will also be provided for parents and their kids. Members from Family Advocacy, Airman Family Readiness Center, Early Intervention, Chapel, SARC, and the Youth Center will be attending and bringing positive and fun material for everyone to participate in.

Parents will have a table to get information pamphlets about the signs of emotional abuse and how to address dating violence with their teens.

Members from Early Intervention will also have a toddler play area.

“We know that toddlers will eventually get bored or distracted, so we added in a play area just for them,” O’Hair said.

FAP is looking for volunteers to help with the event.

For more information or to volunteer, contact FAP at 334-953-5430.