Well, one of the schools that I student teach at, Glacier Valley Elementary, has the answer. We see self-respect, pride, and confidence. We see students as young as 7 years old asking their peers, "may I have this dance?" We see 5th graders returning from recess arm in arm, in what is called escort position.
All of this is due to an 8-week artist-in-residency with Pat Belec, a University of Alaska Southeast dance instructor. The residency represents a collaboration between the school's P.E. teacher, Susie Denton and music teacher, Lorrie Heagy.
A week before the ballroom dance unit, we watched the film, Mad Hot Ballroom, with all 3rd-5th grade classes. The film is used to spark the students excitement, and also to discuss high expectations of dance skill and etiquette. Mad Hot Ballroom follows the lives of New York City public school kids in their journey into the world of ballroom dance. These students from impoverished inner-city neighbourhoods strive towards dancing excellence in the final citywide competition. The pure joy and pride that this dance program brings schools, students, parents and teachers is so evident throughout the film. I had tears in my eyes.
One team of 24 students who constantly show effort, skill, behaviour and etiquette have the opportunity to perform at the JDHS Dance Team competition! Follow my blog for more videos, pictures and updates from this exciting dance unit :)