Strictly stars show Kent kids their moves

24 February 2009

Publication: www.kentnews.co.uk

Stars from the popular show Strictly Come Dancing have come to Kent to launch a scheme to bring ballroom and Latin moves into school PE lessons.

Husband and wife dancers Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova introduced 500 pupils aged between five and 16 from schools in Bromley to the cha, cha, cha and jive on Tuesday morning as part of the pilot project.

The scheme, Essentially Dance, which is being funded by The Aldridge Foundation, aims to improve children’s fitness, self-esteem and social skills and has been back by the Government.

Ed Ball, the Children, Schools and Families Secretary, said: "From ballroom to ballet, dancing is a fantastic way for children to keep fit and have fun.

"We want to encourage everyone to take part in physical education and we know that dance is a great way to improve fitness and can attract young people who perhaps do not enjoy competitive sport such as football or netball.

"Dance forms part of the PE and sport curriculum and I hope both teachers and children will quickly see the benefits from these pilots.

"Making physical activity an attractive option for all young people is especially important if we are to tackle obesity and give young people enjoyable and positive activities they can take part in both during and after school."

Children from Bishop Justus School, Princes Plain Primary School, St James Primary School, Southborough Primary School, Parish Primary School and Hawes Down Primary School helped launch the national pilot.

It comes after the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show has thrust ballroom into the spotlight.

Mr Bennett, said: "Through the popularity of Strictly Come Dancing combined with the participation of sports celebrities like Darren Gough, Mark Ramprakash and Matt Dawson who all took it very seriously and achieved great success in the series, boys are seeing ballroom and Latin dance in a whole new light – if their sporting heroes can do it, then so can they."

Essentially Dance will see 52 teachers and classroom assistants trained to provide the dancing lessons over the next three months.

The success of the scheme, which is being piloted in 26 schools in Darwen near Blackburn, Salford, Rotherham, Bromley and Falmer near Brighton, will be evaluated by Roehampton University for a report due in May.

Rod Aldridge, chairman of The Aldridge Foundation, which aims to use entrepreneurship to create lasting social change for young people and their communities, said: "From Rubgy playing PE teachers to rap music fans, this pilot scheme is already capturing the imagination of teachers and students alike.

"We hope to build on this enthusiasm and encourage other schools to bring ballroom and Latin dance into the National Curriculum, hold regional school competitions and a national ballroom dance event."