PBD’s Dancing Classrooms program has started up it’s Fall term and Teaching Artists are serving 13 classrooms. This 10-week, 20-lesson program is designed to cultivate essential life skills in children through the art of social dance. Dancing Classrooms is for 5th grades and takes place during the school day, providing the opportunity for all students in each class to participate regardless of economic or any other status. The effect is an increase in class unity, cooperation, teamwork, respect, awareness, and individual self-esteem.
One Teaching Artist noted the changes that are already taking place in her classrooms: A young lady with sound and sensory sensitives refused to participate in lesson one and two. In lesson three, she said, “You know, I think that actually looks fun. I will try it next time.” She promptly volunteered to link elbows and escort a gentleman in her class who didn’t have a partner. “This is the kind of opportunity and growth Dancing Classrooms is all about!” responded Tim Carstens, principal at Ilalko Elementary in Auburn, a school currently participating in Dancing Classrooms.
Students learn the Merengue, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Swing, Waltz, Heel-toe Polka and several lines dances. The residency culminates with an assembly where the students perform what they have learned. Six couples from each school are invited to attend a regional competition with other participating schools.
“There is nothing I’ve seen yet after thirty years of teaching that addresses the positive development of self-confidence, respect and respectability, good manners, cooperation, as well as socialization skills, better than Dancing Classrooms.” -NYC Principal