Inspired by the PBS special, MAD HOT BALLROOM, the
Appleton Area School District in a partnership with area ballroom dance
studios will be offering an in school program of ballroom dance to fifth
grade students. The program will start in two schools this year,
Richmond and Johnston.
The Ballroom Dance Program provides an innovative
and exciting experience for children to learn and reinforce the social
skills of courtesy, manners and respect in a unique and student-friendly
way that leads to heightened levels of self-respect. This
translates into better grades in school, better attendance and better
attitudes at home. Not only does the Ballroom Dance Program
address social skills, but it also correlates directly with the AASD
music, physical education, health and social studies curriculum.
Professional ballroom dance instructors will provide ballroom dance
instruction to students (and teachers) beginning in late December
through February. Classes will be taught two times per week for
twelve weeks. Three different dances will be taught in the twelve
weeks of classes.
At the conclusion of the twelve weeks of study,
all students will have the opportunity to perform for friends, family,
and the community as part of a Dance Showcase in March. During the
Showcase students will perform the dance routines they have learned
during classroom instruction. Awards will be given to all
participants with special recognition for those teams who place first,
second, and third in each dance category.
