“ BEING PART OF DANCE CLUB IS IMPORTANT FOR ME. WHEN I’M FEELING A BIG EMOTION, DANCING MAKES ME FEEL BETTER.” – KIAH, GR. 3
well-being. Research from Harvard shows that dancing has such beneficial effects on the brain that doctors use it to treat people with Parkinson’s disease. A 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that dance can im- prove brain health. I have experienced the transformative
effects of dance both personally and as an arts educator for over 20 years. Dance is a voice for English language learners and neurodiverse students, and a powerful tool for kinesthetic learners and students with ADHD. Dancing involves mental effort and includes social interaction. When we dance, dopamine and endorphins are released, so dancing first thing in the morning helps re- duce stress and can put us in a calm, positive mood. Dancing also brings us together, cre- ating a sense of belonging, unity and camara- derie. So in short, dance is good for us!
NURTURING STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND STUDENT VOICE
WUW leaders co-create choreography and have a voice in choosing our songs. Tey are committed to this initiative, practicing weekly throughout the school year, and are so engaged that I have to remind them to eat lunch on practice days. Mel, who graduated from Oakridge two years ago, oſten stops by during set up, noting how much she misses the club and asking if she can return. During one dance club practice, I play the
new song “Toast” as we body storm move- ments. (Body storming is sort of like brain- storming, but using physical expression to explore ideas, themes, or issues.) Jamal jumps in to share his move. We piece to- gether movements from five students. Jamal stays with his best friend to offer more ideas for the choreography until I send him off to eat his lunch. Te next day, Mary and Anita burst into my classroom, wanting an extra practice this week to show a new version of one of their moves. Leaders teach the dances to the rest of the
school through tutorial videos and at school assemblies. Sometimes, they visit other
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 33
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