Lynn youth group organizes dance jam

LYNN – They are proficient in the “whip” and the “nae nae,” but Kearvyn Arne and his friends said the freestyle dances they love to do are also a force for bringing youth together for healthy and fun activities.As members of the Lynn YMCA-based Kaya youth group, the Lynn teenagers organized the second annual Masstyles Dance Jam scheduled for Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Franco American veterans post on Western Avenue.Kaya mentor and YMCA outreach and volunteer director Wanntha Sim said the high school-age teens organized the event and they will spend Saturday making sure it is a success. Formed in 2009 and based in the YMCA on Neptune Boulevard since 2012, Kaya works to blend teen goals with the YMCA?s focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.?These are kids who could be doing a million things during the summer, but they chose to work at the YMCA and reach out as leaders,” Sim said.English High School friends Jasmin Chhim and Molly Nhiv said Saturday?s event at the Franco American hall will attract dancers from Massachusetts communities as well as Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York City.?It brings people together,” Nhiv said.?No one judges you when you?re dancing,” added Chhim.Classical High School student Nhan Nguyen said about 70 dancers showed up for Massstyles last year and Nguyen hopes more dancers and dance enthusiasts attend this year. He is looking forward to older break dancers bringing younger dancers back to the basics on Saturday.?I?m a dancer but I will also be helping out,” he said.The Kaya youth wrap up the summer with a major event called LynnOutLoud, scheduled for Aug. 25, but their other summer activities include organizing basketball and volleyball tournaments to involve local youth involved in fun events that keep them active.Arne had danced since he was a boy and participated in Kaya for three years. He said the youth group helped shape its commitment to do well in high school and get accepted to the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences where he will start on an academic path he hopes leads to medical school.He has danced since he was a boy.?When I do it, I feel free,” he said.