Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

schools-ballroom-dancing

Full Text:

Learning To Swing At The Middle School

(with photos)

BY ANN MARIE COHEN

Dancers from Newtown Middle School have mastered the basics of swing, cha cha

and the waltz. Instruction began in the fall with a beginner series of lessons

and followed up with an intermediate series for those students who completed

basic training.

Many students had a keen interest in learning formal dance steps, especially

swing. Resurgence of the popularity of swing with tunes like "Zoot Suit Riot,"

and "Jump, Jive and Wail" is evident in the interest of the students. Several

were already making their own music in Band and Jazz Band, and they wanted to

dance to the music they could play.

Word spread that Virginia King, vice principal at Newtown Middle School, not

only competed in dance at a professional level, but also had a dance floor

constructed in her home. Students approached her with their idea of beginning

dance lessons at the school.

The idea was realized after one year's planning and hard work on the part of

teachers, parents and Ms King. The beginners series was designed to introduce

students to the elegant, gliding waltz that originated in Austria in the 18th

Century; cha cha, the fast rhythmic ballroom dance that has its routes in

Latin America; and finally to modern dance of the 50s, the swing and the

lindy, a jitterbug dance that originated in Harlem.

Three professional dance companies were invited to the school to present an

introductory dance lesson to the students with the understanding that the

students would select the company they wanted to instruct the classes, by

taking a vote.

Let's Dance of Brookfield, Fred Astaire Studio of Trumbull, and Arthur Murray

Studio of Danbury all gave their presentations to the students. Though it was

a tough decision for the students, they responded most favorably to Stephen

Karpovich, instructor at the Arthur Murray Studio. Mr Karpovich has danced and

competed professionally in dance for the past 28 years. "I find I have rapport

with the young students and tailor my instruction to them," he said.

"The students have been very enthusiastic and committed to dance, it's all

about the children really," said Ms King. The students' appreciation of dance

was indeed apparent.

"It is really fun," said Chris Thibdeau, "you get to be with other kids your

own age. Two sessions and I was hooked into this!"

Sarah Nahabedian and Becky Narel agreed. "We want to keep dancing to have fun.

Now our parents ask us to teach them!"

Since its inception in the fall of 1998, there have been 80 ballroom dance

participants in grades 6 through 8, with an even distribution of boys and

girls.

Each year the Newtown Middle School displays its talents with the Celebration

of the Arts. The event features the performances of the bands, orchestras,

choruses, concert choir and jazz band, and the exhibits of student artists.

This year the celebration will include, for the first time, a ballroom dancing

demonstration featuring the triple swing, lindy hop, and cha cha.

The annual Celebration of the Arts will be held on Tuesday, May 11, from

6:15-9 pm, at the middle school.