The Light Brigade is a performing arts mentoring program that utilizes the arts to mentor urban youth. The Light Brigade was started in 1976 to give Philadelphia's youth a safe, nurturing alternative to crime, drugs, and jail. A strict attendance policy, disciplined practices, and the opportunity to perform all over the United States (and even in Europe), has given the participants opportunities t
hat they never imagined. Many of those once young participants are now grown, and continue to give back to the community, and the Light Brigade. The organization has two programs, the World team, which is comprised of teenagers, young adults and adults, and the P*e Wees, compromised of elementary through high school children. As the P*e Wees mature they have the opportunity to move up to the World team, which requires advanced skills in dance, spinning, and performing. This set up has been great as it has given the youngsters a desired goal to be like their role models on the World Team, as well as, a constant mentor that is readily available to serve the needs of the city's youth.
