Pirouette. Jeté. Assemblé. Plié. These are the words that I thought were the most important in the dance world. In the PE dance class I attend everyday, I expected a couple of warm ups and practicing dance moves. But here at JLA, we do things differently! Our dance classes help you on so many levels.

First of all, dance keeps us both physically and mentally fit. We’re physically fit because we do stations of exercises with partners like sit ups, lounges, squatting and more. Strengthening muscles, while helping  our flexibility and balance. Most days, we have to learn a dance in a very quick amount of time. This helps us adapt easier. It keeps us mentally fit because we start our day by telling each other about our energy levels and how we feel. It’s great hearing everyone talking and listening to each other. It helps to know that maybe students have the same problems and can offer each other solutions.

Second of all, dance helps us make new friends and bond. Classes mix six and seventh graders. Sometimes, our teacher partners us up with students we don’t know to do stations, dances or anything else. At first, you may feel shy or timid, but as you start to work out with that person and sweat together, it’s like you’ve known them your entire lives! This really does help expand your social horizons. At JLA, we are supportive, uplifting, and caring for one another.

Third of all, our dance class develops our creativity.

We sometimes get a partner and the teacher tells us that we have 10-15 minutes to create a dance choreography of our own, following specific instructions. She may want us to do a style of music one day, and let us do whatever we want the next one. This gives us a sense of control in this class and I really appreciate that.

So, in conclusion, the JLA dance curriculum helps us get mentally and physically fit, bond with one another and help our creative spirits. Who thought you could get all this out of a PE class? Mind, body and spirit! In dance classes, besides becoming a better dancer, you also become a better version of yourself.