Ballroom Dancing

    The Dancing Classrooms program was launched in 1994 by world renowned ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine as a not-for-profit project of the American Ballroom Theater Company.  The Dancing Classrooms program is an arts-in-education program teaching ballroom dance to the upper elementary and middle school students of participating schools.  At PS 131, all of our 5th grade students participated in the Ballroom Dancing program. They met twice a week with their dance teaching artists and were taught several ballroom dances including: the tango, rumba, merengue,  foxtrot, jive (swing),  waltz, and some line dances. 

     This program not only teaches our students social dances but also creates a learning atmosphere that inspires even reserved and shy students to step out and shine. Ballroom dancing focuses children's physical energies and increases health through the joy of movement. The program fosters respect, team work, confidence, politeness, and a sense of joy and accomplishment. A Ballroom Classroom residency builds community among its participants and within the school community as a whole.