Dance Class for Middle School Students

I believe if someone wants to direct the youth in a positive direction, then they need to go and attempt to do so. If he/she is to announce that something needs to be changed; then he/she should be taking the first step to doing that. I believe through self determination and passion, one can truly make a difference. In the words of Dr. Suess “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” I make every day count by giving back to my community, and having fun doing so. These are the first steps to making a difference, which is to take action. I’m a dancer physically and mentally. I have been dancing for about 4 years now, and I am enjoying every minute of it. I have danced with local groups and one of the most renown schools of Washington; Northwest Pacific Ballet. Not only do I enjoy learning new things about dance, but I also love to teach it. The art of teaching is not something all artists can do, they say you’re truly an artist when you can teach it. So after I took a break from dance, I chose to take it upon myself to attempt to open the dance curriculum to younger ages instead of having them wait until high school to join a dance squad. My original idea was to teach elementary students. When I spoke to my fellow youth city council members they agreed with me, but they thought it would be more beneficial for the community and students to start it at the middle school level. I had no objection and followed along. I then proposed the idea to the school district stating my main objective, which was to teach the students the basics and fundamentals of hip hop. It was approved immediately. I then became a volunteer dance teacher at Showalter Middle School of Ten girls. As the days continued on, the students really caught on fast. They performed at there school and many other events. After their first performance a school administrator spoke to me privately asking why I started this. I told them that art is a substantial part of learning in today’s society. Learning how to express yourself through any artistic outlet is an exceptional talent and it would be a great idea to give the student this knowledge at a young age. So if they later in the future decided to be a dancer when they approach high school, then they would have a background of dance. They then decided that I should be the permanent dance instructor. The school administrator thanked me for creating a positive activity for the school and community. Here I am today, doing something I love, and making a difference in the hearts of students. I’ve been teaching for two years and the numbers have increased to 15. The best thing about it is that the school is funding the team with money for uniforms, so the kids don't have to pay for them and the kids are enjoying the art of dance. In this dance group I am not only the one teaching, but they are also teaching me many things, such as patience and friendship. For instance there are times when I will have spent 5 days on the same routine. The looks on the faces of the students putting in the effort and really trying is what makes me love what I do. The students very often get confused on the dance, and spend time learning the dance after practice. When they’ve finished practicing, some of them come to me with advice/school homework. I’ve grown to love these students and they have taught me that friendship is a key element in life. This group of girls/guys has influenced me in numerous ways. They look up to me as if I was an adult and it’s that look that makes me want to keep teaching. It’s that feeling of satisfaction, when you know you’re contributing to your community and having fun while you’re doing it. I apologize, but I don't have any pictures at the moment. I will soon be posting those.