The Boston metro

Friday, October 25, 2002

Jam'n their way to self-esteem

CAMBRIDGE.

It takes but a moment inside a Jam'nastics practice session to realize something special is happening. Whether it's the toddlers on mats, teens on trampolines or hip-hop dancers counting out a routine, there's more to the vibe than the music.

For Jam'nastics, Inc. founder, Anara Frank, it's the smiles on young faces that keep her going. Frank founded the group in 1990 to fulfill her dream of using dance and gymnastics to build self-esteem in kids, many of whom need financial assistance to participate. But it hasn't been easy.

However, with her ability to adjust and face obstacles head-on, at just 28 years old, Frank has kept Jam'nastics afloat.

"There have always been challenges," said Frank, such as flooded offices and stolen radios. "We've had to make choices, but we know how to struggle and that keeps us going." the bigger things, such as an economic downturn, have hit this nonprofit hard. But through strategic restructuring and continual flexibility, Jam'nastics' doors have remained open.

These open doors have meant the world for 16-year-old Geurdley Cajus. "I was obsessed with their hip-hop dance team," she said. "I saw them and thought, 'I have to get on that team.'" Audition and make it she did. But this Everett resident knows she's more than just part of a team. "Not everyone is able to pay, but they go out of their way to help out. They take your passion to heart more than your money."

The array of offerings is impressive. Aside from the competitive teams and traditional instruction, there's salsa, Latin dance and adult gymnastics to name a few. There's even a Special Olympics team.

Along with teaching the fundamentals, Frank and her instructors are all about turning the hopeful energy of youth into the aspirations that keep kids looking forward. "I want to keep going," says Jazmin Lee, a sixth-grader from Cambridge. "I want to be in the Olympics when I grow up."

Parents, well aware of the group's struggle to stay in the game, are quick to point out the rewards. "Jam'nastics helps kids have structure in their lives and reach for a goal without added pressure," said Sharon Hamer, whose 8-year-old daughter is enrolled. "This program develops not just their bodies but their whole being."

Though she and her staff are overworked and underpaid, Anara Frank pushes on in the spirit of opportunity. As she can see in the eyes of a young Olympic hopeful, that's the stuff dreams are made of. And some dreams are worth the struggle.

Heather Hill

Jam'nastics, with classes for toddlers to adults, can be reached at (617) 354-5780.