Our school has so many unique features that make it different from others. One of them is PC Dance, Fitness, and Yoga, which offers an alternative to the classic sports-oriented physical education.
This class, taught by Coach Perez, consists of three main components: two days of dance, one day for fitness, and another for yoga. Usually, on dance days, it starts with a warm-up, just like the regular PC (which stands for Physical Conditioning), with either the classic across-the-floor exercises or the warm-up dance workout. Then, it’s time to move on to the day’s activity. Sometimes Coach Perez teaches Jazz choreography or gives a couple of steps to include while students make their own dance to perform at the end of class. Other times it’s more interpretative dancing “in the space,” as Coach calls it. The “space” refers to the double classroom, where most of the classes take place.
Another key component, Coach Perez believes, is fitness. In the first semester, she puts stations in the classroom. Every minute or so, you would rotate around to do each workout. There would be jump rope, plank hand taps with a buddy, and different types of stretches. However, when fitness is done in the weight room for the second semester, the machines are included in the circuit, too.
Lastly, there is yoga, which is favoured by most of the students. Everyone gets a mat, two yoga blocks, and a pillow! While we do do yoga poses for a majority of the time, the best part is at the end: final relaxation! It’s 5-7 minutes of meditation, and a quiet moment of relaxation that allows the students to recenter and recharge amidst the busy day.
Offering dance and yoga in schools is highly beneficial because it removes the pressure to win. Unlike competitive sports, students don’t have to worry about being “bad at the game” or being picked last. Everyone can participate regardless of their skill level, creating a safe and comfortable space for students who might feel self-conscious about their athletic abilities. Ariela Karpel, a dancer both in school and out, says that, “It’s a fun way to exercise.” Milana Lamdan adds, “The environment is always so positive and energizing!” Overall, this is a wonderful program that we JLA students shouldn’t take for granted.
