(This column appeared in the Tribune & Georgian newspaper on 8.22.07 and The Kings Bay Periscope on 8.23.07)
About two months ago in this column, I wrote this line: “imagine what a remarkable thing it would be if Camden High students could experience the training and commitment that a full-fledged dance instruction program might offer them.” I went on to reveal that data released in the 2005 College Bound Seniors Profile by The College Board suggests that students learn substantial positive lessons about time organization, focus and commitment in arts classes, which leads to improved academic performance and higher SAT scores. When I offered that information, I had hope in my heart and a dream in my head.
It was a dream inspired by students. Students came to Principal Dr. John Tucker’s Council meetings and asked for our high school to start a dance program. They wanted to dance; they wanted to perform. Those requests were heard by the principal and Fine Arts Director, Dean Slusser, and they went to work convincing others that starting such a program would be good for a diverse student population and for our burgeoning arts programs. Other arts teachers worked with the faculty and wrote a remarkable curriculum proposal and placed it in the school’s course selection guide. Within a few months, and after more than 140 students said they wanted to take a dance class at the high school, Superintendent Dr. Hardin agreed and, with our Board of Education, supported their request to add the program to the curriculum.
When you look at the reasons why such a program is good for students, you don’t have to look far. In Georgia, and across the nation, dance education is a part of the heath, recreation, physical education, and dance curriculum, offering participants both learning and exercise in good measure. Like all sports and arts programs, these programs focus on fitness, mental and physical wellness, and quality performance. As our nation struggles to encourage young people to become less obese and more fit, programs that head that direction are important.
Besides the health-related, physical aspects of dance, however, there are other, less tangible reasons for Camden County to support a school-based dance program. In our student body we have many students that already love and participate in dance in a variety of forms. We have students that are of Native American descent that practice and perform in indigenous dance troupes. Some of our students take dance at local studios and perform in regional and national competitions. And some students are regulars in contemporary dance programs across the southeast. Those students, until now, have not been a part of our school’s curricular arts programs. If this new dance program franchises them and gives them a new way to attach themselves to education, then we have created an important foothold for them to be successful both in the dance studio and in the classroom.
There are many things that schools struggle to do excellently, for lots of reasons. Right now, every day at Camden County High School, there are classes full of dance students that are a testament to how we get it right very often, especially when we act in the best interest of students. I will make sure you know how you can see them perform in the future.
Don’t forget that September promises to be “must see theatre” month in Camden County. Crooked Rivers will offer its reprisal production of “Fightin’, Faith, and Family” on Friday (Sept. 21) at 7 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 22) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the high school Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior adults. Tickets will be available at Sheila’s Hallmark, the St. Mary’s Tourism Office, Kingsland Tourism Office and the CCHS Auditorium in advance. They will also be available at the door day of show.
Next up for audiences will be the Camden County High School’s Advance Drama class production of “Love Comics,” scheduled on the Auditorium stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Sept. 27, 28 and 29) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Auditorium box office or by calling 912-729-7463.
8.22.07
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