Every Yulupa Elementary student participates in our dance program. Each class begins with a movement warm-up that incorporates some strength work and stretching. The bulk of each class involves across-the-floor movement and a dance routine that the students work on for 3-4 weeks. Students also play a variety of movement games and are introduced to many different dance styles including hip hop, rap, and jazz.

Dance gives students a form of expression that doesn’t depend on words. Working on a routine over several weeks builds focus and physical confidence, and learning it alongside classmates means the whole class succeeds or struggles together — a different kind of collaboration than most of the school day asks for. Students also get regular, structured movement in an era when school schedules generally offer less and less of it.