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Photo by Mark Rogalsky
If you've seen the popular documentary, "Mad Hot Ballroom" you will know what to expect.
Picture over 30 fifth grade students competing in popular styles of ballroom dance including Merengue, Fox Trot, and Rumba.
Students of the Pittsburgh Dancing Classrooms program will present their Colors of the Rainbow showcase this Saturday at Allderdice High School as a culmination of the lessons they learned this past fall.
The program was brought to Pittsburgh by Mercy Behavioral Health supervisor, Mark Rogalsky. Inspired by the documentary, and having children who share a love of dance, he began using the film in therapy with kids.
Years later when Rogalsky watched "Take the Lead," he knew that he wanted the program in the Pittsburgh Public School system. Mercy gave him free reign.
"It is the greatest thing I have ever done for kids," he says. He goes on to say that he can see "how excited they are," and that they are "learning to get along with other people." In addition to the skill of dancing, the kids learn manners, social skills, elegance and politeness. One shy young boy said: "I learned how to make friends." The benefits seem endless.
The six elementary schools involved and competing this Saturday are Allegheny, Arlington, King, Phillips, Spring Hill and West Liberty. Since the beginning of the program last September, Terry and Rozana Sweeney, directors of the Art and Style Dance Studio, have worked hard instructing over 300 kids in styles of dance perhaps less popular than tap, jazz, ballet and hip-hop.
Since then, schools have reported less discipline referrals, improved academics, and a new confidence in many of the kids. Because of the outstanding results, Rogalsky has hopes to continue the program.
The show begins this Saturday, January 9th, at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
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