Dancin' for success

Giving students an opportunity to succeed is at the heart of the Burchell High School mission. One program is doing just that, in a very public way.

The Burchell High School dancers have performed in front of a number of organizations, as well as entire schools. Through these public performances, students are finding new ways to succeed.

"The confidence the kids get through the dance program is so great," said Sharon Peek, who runs the dance classes at Burchell. "I've seen parents crying at a performance before because their son, who couldn't excel at another school, is out there in a tuxedo, dancing with confidence. Given the chance, these kids can succeed."

The dance class at Burchell is very structured, and it demands the most from the students. School doesn't begin until 9 a.m., but dance class starts at 8 a.m. daily, meaning students have to find their own transportation to school.

"Some use the high school bus, some use M.A.S.C.O.T., some get rides from friends," Peek said. "If they want to participate in the dance class, they have to be very dedicated. These kids are making a big commitment, and they are following through on it."

Students join the dance class for a number of reasons. The reasons are as varied as the backgrounds from which the students come, but through the class and the public performances, they form one solid group, together.

"I was too shy to get my butt out there and get involved last year," said Josh Petrie. "But this year, I wanted to do it. I just love dancing altogether. It's not graded on a test or a paper like other classes. It's about trying and doing."

Student Ricky Blackwell said dancing is a lot like a roller coaster, especially for students just learning.

"It's really hard at first and you have a steep hill to climb, but after you know what you are doing, it's easy going downhill," Blackwell said. "It's cool to see people getting into the groove during the performance. You get to entertain, and make people laugh and smile."

Peek teaches the history of dance to her classes, and then that history is "acted" out during the performances. That involves not only dancing the waltz, Charleston, swing, salsa disco, Latin and a host of other styles, it also involves more than 20 costume changes, as students wear era-appropriate clothing for each dance.

"I love trying on the clothes and getting to see how much history has changed dance," said student Amanda Goss. "Once I got involved with dance, I wanted to keep involved."

Students are part of the entire process, from practicing dance every morning to sewing costumes and rehearsing shows.

"It is very structured, and there is a lot of discipline required," Peek said. "If their costumes aren't ready, well, they won't be in the show then. We're giving the students the opportunity to succeed, and they have to take it from there."

Through Peek's instruction, students become acquainted with many styles of dances. They then go into middle schools and actually teach the dances to younger students.

Physical education teachers at the middle school level continue the unit for a week, and then a family dance night takes place. The response they have received has been great, Peek said.

"They throw their inhibitions aside and show their peers how fun dance can be," Peek said. "By introducing them to new dances and encouraging them, younger students are finding out there is more than just the freak dances they are doing now."

There are about 17 dancers in the class, and about 30 other students model fashions during shows, or are involved in other ways.

"It's a hands-on, real-life thing they can get involved with, even if they don't know a thing about dance before they start," Peek said. "I'm 56, and these students give me a new look on life."

The class' largest production of the year is next Friday and Saturday night at Burchell High School. The shows start at 6:45 p.m. on both days, and tickets are available by calling Burchell High School at 373-7775 or by stopping by the school.

The dancers will be performing in front of the Burchell student body, as well as other school groups, on Friday morning.