Nebo School District hosted its 3rd annual “District Day of Dance.” Dance companies and dance classes from schools across the district came together to enjoy classes and share performances. As the presence of dance continues to grow in Nebo School District, the event is a way to celebrate and support vertical alignment of the art form.
Not so long ago--while there were thriving dance programs in our high schools--junior highs only offered the art forms of drama, music, and visual arts. In the last several years, middle school and junior high principals across the district have worked to add dance to their course offerings and have seen interest grow. All five middle schools and two of our junior high schools now have dance programs, with Mapleton Junior High leading the way, initiating their dance program 10 years ago.
Dance is even found in our elementary schools through the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts program (BTSArts), found in all 30 of our elementary schools. Park View 3rd Grade teacher, Samantha Jasperson, partnered with BTS Dance Specialist, Melanie Fillmore, to create a performance about the life cycle of plants. Mrs. Jasperson’s 3rd graders represented elementary dance in the evening performance and were well received. BTS Dance Specialist, Cherisa Jones helped organize the event and managed the master schedule.
Through the afternoon, students joined in a whole-group warm-up, then branched out into various classes such as Dance Composition, Lyrical, or Hip Hop. Students rehearsed their pieces on the stage and received feedback from adjudicators in preparation for the evening performance.
The evening performance was open to the public and had a packed auditorium. The electricity in the air was palpable as groups took turns either performing or cheering for their peers. The concert represented well the growth and quality of Dance Education in Nebo School District schools.