Ridgeview high school drama department presents “Dancing with the Teachers” an event hosted by the drama teacher, Kelsi Lowry. The event is held on Friday, March 28th for the school. Students get to choose the genre of music that is played and teachers they want to dance with. The dance was advertised using flyers that were passed around the school and was posted on Ridgeview’s Instagram page with a video of what the dance would look like.
With the teacher’s permission, each group can schedule practice time independently without knowing what other pairs are working on. Many teachers are able to participate in the dance because, “It’s building bonds or relationships with students outside of the classroom and it’s just mainly fun,” said Jerome Williams who is one of the dancers this year with his daughter. Williams’ first time dancing was eight years ago and he says the most common issue for teachers participating could be, “Time management or just not being able to dance in general.” Students and teachers practice as much as they can or multiple times a day to overcome this challenge.
Students are encouraged to join dance class and other events because it gives them experience in performing in front of people or on a stage. Students like Lily Andrade who is performing and have really enjoyed the dance before. “It’s a lot of fun being able to bond with teachers like that and making those memories,” says Andrade. Any student of any grade is allowed to join the dance as long as they are not failing any classes. Andrade also says the dance could benefit new students because, “It could help them get out of their shell using their imagination and creativity by choosing a theme and dance on their own.”
Teachers or students aren’t required to have any experience in dancing ultimately because most don’t know how to. Timothy Adamson was in community theater for two years though he wouldn’t think of himself as a dancer, “The hard parts in dancing could be all of it or anything that requires moving and moving fast,” says Adamson. Participants who are more familiar with dancing have an easier time with practicing and understanding the dances. The dance reminds students and administrators how they are a community making their connection stronger. “I don’t think any experience is needed. I think we’re all just willing to be a part of stuff with our students,” says Adamson.
