Johnson Creek High/Middle School Newsletter April 2014 | Page 6

Blue Jay Update

Learning Culture Through Dance
In 6th grade World Cultures class the students have been studying different aspects of culture. One aspect
that allows cultures to speak to each other is dance. The students spent three weeks learning and teaching
each other different dances from around the world.
They were able to watch the documentary “Mad Hot Ballroom” about 5th graders across New York City
who competitively ballroom dance. This film has inspired about one third of the 6th graders to take time
after school to learn and gain the skills of various dances, and will be presenting what they learned in a
showcase on May 1st at 6pm in the Johnson Creek MS/HS gym.
The 6th graders were then lucky enough to go to a live dance show that featured Salsa, Merengue, Tango,
Flamenco and a few others. The dances were presented by the “Hispanic Flamenco Ballet” at the Barrymore
Theater in Madison. Six students and two teachers were welcomed up on stage to dance with the performers.
Those students and teachers were: Alex Garza, Nathan Johnsrud, Brooke Joesph, Isaiah Wollet, Whitney
Wichman, Mateah Rohel, Mrs. Zellmer and M iss Hill. All the feedback from the students was positive.
When asked what was their favorite part, each student would answer differently; stating a preference to
some dances over the others. All of the students would recommend this show. Fun and smiles were shared
by all.

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April 2014