Keeping teenagers off the streets and involved in positive activities is easier said than done. With all of the temptation that lurks, it's not an easy task to make teens go the right route.

However, Solid Confidence, a local organization developed by Aurora native DaShaud Perkins, 23, is using a common recreational activity to keep a group of teens focused: dance.

Perkins knows a lot about dancing. In fact, for the majority of his life, he's had the gift to entertain through song and dance, beginning in 1995 with an organization called Voices of Faith.

"That really put something in me ... that was the first thing that really changed the whole origin of who I am," Perkins said.

Using his experiences from Voices of Faith, Perkins developed a passion for entertaining, particularly through dance. Often mimicking what he saw in music videos, he quickly learned that he could use his talents to keep himself out of trouble and on a positive track.

"In high school, I grew up and really started dancing because that's a talent that I have. I've always had that talent...I've always been a dancer," Perkins said. "God gives you gifts and talents to use but it depends on how you use them. I felt if I didn't use my talent, he would take it away."

Perkins utilized his skill thoroughly as a student at Hinkley High School, 1250 Chambers Road, developing the school's first Hip-Hop Dance Club in 1998 Made up of other Hinkley students, the group performed at many school pep rallies, halftime shows at sporting events and talent shows.

"Everybody doesn't play sports. Some people need other activities to keep them motivated and focused on school and life," he said.

Dancing involves much discipline and practice, and mastering that skill gave Perkins confidence and self-esteem. He used those principles to develop Solid Confidence in January 2005, with the hope that he could help teens realize that in order to go anywhere in life, you have to have those principles.

Although a main ingredient in the organization, dancing is not the core. Solid Confidence's mission is to bridge the gap between the classroom and success in the lives of at-risk Aurora teens by providing them with academic support and having "rap sessions" where prominent members of the community speak to the students about various issues. The organization is centered on the belief of positive reinforcement and discipline in youth.

The name alone packs a lot of power, Perkins said.

"If a person has solid confidence, nobody can tell them anything," he said.

A separate entity from APS and Denver Public Schools, the group, made up of about 12 to 16 members, is funded mostly through fundraisers/shows, which they hold three to four times per year. Tryouts are held at different times throughout the year and, according to Perkins, members are chosen based not only on their dancing ability, "but also on their vibe and overall character. Dancing is not the most important part."

To prepare for their performances, Perkins runs choreographed practices at a Denver dance studio. Their intense practices have paid off in gaining them exposure at local venues such as The People's Fair, the Denver Black Arts Festival and Juneteenth.

Perkins serves not only as the leader, but also a role model, someone these youth feel comfortable confiding in and looking up to.

"I've become a more mature person," said 19-year-old group member Latrece Brooks. "At first I thought it was just a dance group but then I realized it would have more to do with growing and not just getting on stage and dancing. DaShaud helps you find yourself."

Perkins shines in this role, and said he's thankful for how the situation has shaped him.

"Sometimes, you want to put a shield up because you don't want them to get attached to you, but from day one, I was attached, Perkins said. "So, that attachment has changed me because it's made me a better person and helped me to deal with certain situations as they come."

Youth interested in becoming a member of Solid Confidence can e-mail dperkins607@yahoo.com or call 720-841-7127.

To find out what Solid Confidence means to a few group members, click here.