Hundreds of Philadelphia fifth graders competed on May 27th  in a citywide ballroom dance-off in the Juniata section of the city with everything from the fox trot and rumba to the tango.

This is part of a special program called Dancing Classrooms. While developing their talents on the dance floor, they also learn some very significant life lessons such as respect for each other and self-esteem.   As the program developers are quick to point out, “Dancing Classrooms Philly isn’t just about dance—it’s about transforming kids into “ladies and gentlemen” with a set of behavioral skills and social graces that will carry over into all aspects of their lives, giving them the confidence and self-esteem needed to compete in the real world. As a vehicle for teaching civility and respect for self and others, the program is an antidote to the violence that wracks the inner city schools and communities. With the alarming rise of obesity and Type 2 diabetes among school-aged children, Dancing Classrooms Philly introduces a healthy and wholesome cardiovascular activity with the potential for lifelong enjoyment.”

In its first year, Dancing Classrooms Philly reached nearly 1600 Philadelphia fifth graders in 28 public, charter and Catholic school classrooms. The program’s specially trained teaching artists teach a variety of social dances. The teaching artists, who were chosen through a rigorous audition process, undergo two intensive weekends of training by Pierre Dulaine, the world renowned ballroom dancer who founded the nonprofit Dancing Classrooms program out of New York City’s American Ballroom Theater.

Eight out of 16 schools will advance to the finals to be held at Temple University  (McGonigle Hall) on June 6th.

To learn more about the program
http://www.dancingclassroomsphilly.org