Children to Get Dancing

18 February 2009

Publication: Education Executive

Scheme to harness popularity of TV dancing shows in schools

A scheme has been launched which hopes to get pupils fit and healthy through dance.

A pilot scheme will aim to get 2,500 pupils aged 5-18 doing the Cha-cha-cha, waltz, jive and quick step to improve their health and self-esteem by learning ballroom and Latin dancing.
 
The scheme called ‘Essentially Dance', officially launches on February 24, is being piloted in 26 primary and secondary schools across England by The Aldridge Foundation with professional dancers Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the BBC's popular Strictly Come Dancing show and City Limits Education. 

Over the next three months, 52 teachers and classroom assistants will receive practical training sessions with professional dance and PE experts supported by a training resource, which includes a step-by-step DVD led by Darren and Lilia, a booklet with easy to follow sessions and a CD with suitable music.
 
The new initiative, which meets the Government's Every Child Matters outcomes on health, enjoyment and achievement, targets to reduce childhood obesity and the National Curriculum's Key stage 1-5 provision for Physical Education, aims to:

• Improve young people's health and fitness
• Build confidence and self-esteem
• Improve cross-gender and inter-generational relationships

The outcomes for both teachers and children will be independently evaluated by Roehampton University. The Foundation plans to make the final training resource available to all schools following a launch this summer.
 
Rod Aldridge, chairman of The Aldridge Foundation, said he wanted to harness the popularity of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV programme to inspire a new generation: "Essentially Dance is about inspiring the nation's young people to get on their feet to enjoying the physical exercise and confidence you can gain from ballroom dancing."

"Ballroom dancing used to be seen as something old fashioned and inaccessible - but by making it part of the National Curriculum we can breakdown those barriers and give young people from all backgrounds the chance to benefit."
 
Professional dancer Darren Bennett, who learned to dance when he was six said: "Not everyone who learns ballroom is going to take it up as a profession and win trophies but that's not the point - it's about having fun, getting fit and mixing socially with your peers."