Dance Elective

Brea Jr. High’s new dance elective is inviting students to put down their computers and express themselves physically. Students have the opportunity to express themselves through movement while it provides an “unplugged” alternative. Mrs. Megan Frausto is the dance teacher. She states that dance is “an exploration of dance technique, choreography, and history.” She also says that many skills learned in dance can be reused in other classes such as foreign language, history, and math. 

In dance, you aren’t just moving your body, you also learn about the history of how it began. You learn French words in ballet, and even some mathematical concepts. Using the knowledge you earn in dance, it can influence that knowledge in other academic areas. Many more ballet dance steps are named in the French language, and if you take a French language class, you can apply what you know. In choreography, you have counts which can help in math class. You also recognize the patterns which can directly support your mathematical thinking. These are just some of the dance skills you can use in other classes. 

Dance is also a chance for social bonding due to group dances and partner work, you talk to many new people and learn to choreograph your own dances. You make connections with new people and can gain many new friends. Dance is a powerful way to build a community and reduce social anxiety. Talking to new people helps release tension and makes you feel comfortable around your classmates. You also  incorporate teamwork in team building activities. 

There are many benefits when it comes to dance, some of which are it improves skills like flexibility. In dance you stretch everyday and try to increase your flexibility.  You also learn the importance of teamwork and trust, which you will need while dancing as well as later in your life. Confidence is key in dance, you must have confidence in yourself and others. Plus, if you make a mistake and you are acting confident, no one notices! 

Lastly, dance also improves your physical health. You will have better posture and balance, and it improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts endurance. In dance coordination is important. It requires the brain and body to synchronize yourself and create rhythm. 

But the best part? There are no auditions. This allows anyone interested to participate and enjoy the experience of dance. More people are included when it comes to no auditions. You can develop new skills and boost confidence without it being subjective to few. Without feeling pressured to have an amazing audition, students are free to learn about something that interests them. Also, students that would otherwise feel intimidated by auditions can now find their rhythm at their own pace. Being able to join dance without “tryouts” takes away the psychological stress that the preparation can cause. 

The new dance elective at Brea Jr. High is a perfect way to create new friendships, boost your self-esteem, make new friends, and improve your health. It is based on movement rather than computers. You learn to communicate through motion and learn technique, choreography, and history. These are some tools you can use in other classes.

 So, are you considering adding dance to your elective course card? 

Writer: Zoya Nathani

Editor: Kaylee Ecarma