NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — On Wednesday, a very special dance class was held for children dealing with living in homeless shelters.
It was part of a summer camp to help the kids stay active and have some fun.
READ MORE: COVID Vaccine: Bronx Residents Can Begin Scheduling Appointments For Johnson & Johnson ShotsCBS2’s Cindy Hsu met the children from Camp Win who live in family shelters across New York City. But for the summer they are getting a chance to focus on just being kids. Professional dancers and choreographers from Broadway Dance Center are teaching them some new moves.
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When asked what she learned today with her dancing, 13-year-old Ijahnay Maynor said with a laugh, “That it’s a lot of work.”

CBS2 visited the happy campers of Camp Win on Aug. 29, 2018. (Photo: CBS2)
But Ijahnay also said it’s lots of fun. Instructor Abdul Belle said that’s the goal, and the kids are learning about a lot more than dance.
“Working as a team, confidence, being strong … not afraid to be who you are no matter who’s watching you,” Belle said.
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About 1,000 children, ages 5 to 16, attend the non-profit summer-long program. They take lots of field trips that emphasize everything from science to culinary arts.
READ MORE: COVID 1 Year: 'Long Haulers' Still On Long Road To Recovery, 'A Complete Lifestyle Change'“It can just change your life, just because what they’re doing for us … it’s like something kids don’t have that. We’re grateful to have it,” 11-year-old Ja’nei Killings said.
According to the state, 1 in 10 New York City public school students face homelessness each year.
“It definitely provides them some form of comfort, I would say. You know they’re our kids when they come into camp,” Tanji Nelson said.
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While every student has their favorite camp memory, Maynor said she loved winning a cooking competition.
“I had made a cheesy chicken pasta with baby potatoes on the side,” Ijahnay said, adding that she won first place and was happy about it.
And now she dreams of becoming a chef.
So who knows how many of these children may aspire to become dancers.
MORE NEWS: Wife Of Top Cuomo Aide Shows Support On Social Media For Governor's Latest Sexual Harassment AccuserThe children attend Camp Win for free, and the program is funded by donations.