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Dancing Classrooms was launched in 1994 as a not-for-profit
project of the American Ballroom Theater Company. It is an
arts-in-education program teaching ballroom dance to the upper
elementary, junior high and high school students of
participating schools. As seen in the documentary film Mad Hot
Ballroom, Dancing Classrooms is an in-school residency for every
child, regardless of background or experience. It was brought to
Lee County Public Schools through the generosity of Margaret
Antonier, President and CEO of Miromar Development Corp. and is
being administered by the Foundation for Lee County Public
Schools, Inc.
While Dancing Classrooms has been hailed as an effective program
for teaching social dance, the program provides many other
benefits. Dancing Classrooms is about creating an atmosphere
which allows students who are typically introverted and
reserved, to step out and shine. It focuses physical energies
and increases health through the joy of movement. It builds
self-esteem and interactive social skills as it improves
confidence and children's ability to relate to others.
"Dancing is about connections to our friends, to our families,
to our neighbors. It is one of the most expressive ways we
celebrate and communicate our cultures and communities. With
Dancing Classrooms, we are able to reach children in existing
classroom settings and address fundamental issues of mutual
respect and self-esteem - issues that social dance puts into
practice. We hope to inspire children through dance to do well,
to respect one another, to be proud. This program is about more
than dance, it is about teaching children to take a bow." -
Pierre Dulaine & Yvonne Marceau
 Dancing Classrooms mission is to build social awareness,
confidence and self-esteem in children through the practice of
social dance. Through the Foundation for Lee County Public
Schools, Inc. and Miromar Outlets, Lee County is the first to
offer Dancing Classrooms to public school students in the state
of Florida.
During the 10 week session all of the students are able to show
the community their acquired skills at many exhibitions at the
Miromar Outlets.
All of the fifth grade students participating in the program
have the opportunity to show their school, their families and
the community VIP's the skills they have learned during the 20th
lesson-the Culminating Event.
Additionally, a team of 12 students from each participating
school have the opportunity to compete against each other at the
Colors of the Rainbow Team Match. These teams are comprised of
the children who have exhibited the characteristics of the
program not necessarily the best dancers.
After each session of Dancing Classrooms the school
administrator, the classroom teachers and program sponsors
complete a survey to measure the impact and results of the
program.
On May 12, 2012, Rhythm in Motion dance studio will hold a showcase with proceeds benefiting the Dancing Classrooms Program.
"Travel in Time with Rhythm in Motion" and their "Sizzling Salsa" Sponsor-USA Dance, Inc. 6049. Call 239-337-0433 for information. |
