Pop music star Beyonce recently partnered with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to create the Let’s Move! Flash Workout. The Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Cherokee has embraced the Let’s Move! concept, and launched a Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles program. Oconaluftee has gotten behind this national movement by producing a student fitness video using the music and choreography of the Let’s Move! Flash Workout.
As with many songs, the name ‘Move Your Body’ says it all. The flash workout it is a dance, an exercise, and a fun activity that all students could participate in and have fun. Over 20 students performed the flash workout in front of the entire campus to show that it is simple and easy to get involved with.
“It was truly amazing and I really enjoyed it” said student choreographer Kayosha Roseboro.
For several days leading up to the showcase, students sweated out learning the steps, rhythm changes, and how to coordinate movement in a large group. The flash workout also allowed for many cultural styles of dance to be seen including Dancehall, Hip Hop, Salsa, ‘old school’ Running Man, and today’s top moves like ‘the Dougie’.
Beyonce’s lyrics throughout the song ‘Move Your Body’ encourage those who may be hesitant to get active. They tell any listener that “a little sweat never hurt nobody” and that there is no wrong way to get moving. “This whole campaign is about encouraging people around the country to move their body in any way, shape, or form but just move your body” concluded Roseboro.
Students at the Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Cheroke practice their choreography for a new student-produced fitness video. (Photo courtesy of Holly Krake/OJCCCC)
As an education and training program focused on young adults, Job Corps can play a critical role in helping students make healthy choices as adults. “What we’re talking about is shifting a sedentary and unhealthy body mindset to one of smart food choices and energizing activities” said campus Trainee Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, Lakeisha Gallaspy. “If a flash workout is what it takes in 2011 then that’s what we’ll do!”
The Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is associated with the National Forests of North Carolina. It is accredited by the Council On Occupational Education and currently serves 104 students. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. For more information about the Oconaluftee JCCCC, visit www.oconaluftee.jobcorps.gov
– Holly Krake, OJCCCC
