South Florida's Premier Hip Hop Dance Classes to be offered at Select Club Med Locations throughout North America
Club Med, the originator in all-inclusive vacations announced today its exclusive partnership with Hip Hop Kidz, a nationally recognized hip-hop dance program, to offer dance classes to children vacationing at select Club Med villages throughout North America, offering Children's Clubs. Villages include Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (as of June 1), Club Med Caravelle in Guadeloupe, Club Med Ixtapa in Mexico, and Club Med Sandpiper-Florida in Port St. Lucie, Florida (as of July 1).
"Club Med is known as a premier all-inclusive vacation destination for families and we are always looking for exciting new additions to our Children's Clubs," said John Vanderslice, President and CEO Club Med Americas. "Our partnership with the reputable Hip Hop Kidz' is another example of the innovative programming that keeps Club Med top of mind for family vacationing."
The award-winning program will be fully implemented in the four villages mentioned above by November 2003, with possible expansion to additional Club Med locations in the future.
"Partnering with Club Med is a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out to children in other countries due to its global presence," said Suzy Stone, President and Creative Director of the 16-location tri-county company. "In addition to teaching kids the coolest moves from their favorite music videos, we strive to bring a positive message of fitness, family, friends and fun to the kids in our program, which dovetails well with Club Med's Children's Clubs," she added.
The match between Hip Hop Kidz and Club Med is a natural one, exemplifying both organizations' commitment to providing healthy activities for children and promoting a family-oriented atmosphere. The Hip Hop Kidz motto is "No Drugs, No Violence, Just Dance," a credo that Club Med admires in a program for young children and teens.
By the end of their stay, children who participate in the Hip Hop Kidz program at Club Med will learn a choreographed routine that they perform on stage for the entire resort.
"So far, the Hip Hop Kidz program has exceeded our expectations," added Vanderslice. "We were targeting the 8-13 year olds, but soon realized that younger children and even teenagers were interested as well, expanding the offering to additional age groups."
"We hope kids learn that dance and exercise can be fun, and that they will take this philosophy home with them," Stone said. "Fitness is an important life skill, and learning early on that you can incorporate exciting elements of exercise into your daily routine will make for healthy and happy adults in the future."
About Club Med
Club Med is the originator in all-inclusive vacations, with more than 100 villages in exotic locations in more than 40 countries worldwide, spanning in the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Club Med hosts over two million guests annually, and offers its guests an outstanding
value. Club Med offers first-rate amenities and a variety of leisure, sports (with different level of instructions), educational, and recreational activities as well as endless gourmet buffets, so guests can vacation their way.
About Hip Hop Kidz
Hip Hop Kidz is a nationally recognized hip hop dance program that provides children with an amazing outlet for their emotions and self-expression. With 17 locations in South Florida from Dade to Palm Beach Counties, Hip Hop Kidz has instructed more than 5,000 kids on the most popular hip hop moves.
Students range in age from 5-18, and their award winning performance troupes have gained a substantial national following. Performances have included the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Superbowl Halftime Show, The Jenny Jones Show, Star Search, The Today Show and several music videos, commercials and fashion shows. The Hip Hop Kidz won gold medals in the first World Hip Hop Championships held in 2002 on Miami Beach, and will have three teams competing in the Championships again this year.
