OUR Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School wrapped up its first hip-hop dance program with students busting out their best moves at a concert on April 5.
The Nollamara school took part in the ‘Edu-Dance’ program run by Balcatta-based Dance Etc. dance instructor Tina Belladonna.
Ms Belladonna said she was impressed with the students’ final performance.
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READ NOW“Each class had nine 30-minute sessions over nine weeks,” she said.
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“So in a short period of only four-and-a-half hours the students learnt, retained their routines and performed it in front of a large audience at the completion of the program.”
Ms Belladonna said while her choreographies were energetic, they helped improve communication and social skills.
“In addition to the obvious physical benefits such as increasing their flexibility, range of motion, motor skills, they also take away some really important skills which will benefit them long after their schooling years,” she said.
“Dance and movement teaches them to work as a team, make new friends and is a great tool in improving their confidence and self-esteem.”
Principal Mark Ryan said the school would bring the program back next year.
“The showcase was a fantastic way of showing our community what the students had been learning over the course of the term,” he said.
“It was also great to see the smiles on the faces of the students and the confidence they showed to dance in front of such a big crowd.
“The positive comments by parents, grandparents and friends who attended was also very pleasing.”