MOUNT VERNON — “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.” – Martha Graham, pioneering American dancer and choreographer known as the Mother of Modern Dance.
MOUNT VERNON – Second-grader Joleen was among a long line of students and staff dancing to the music of the Cha Cha Slide at the Knox Learning Center before the start of classes Wednesday.
“I like to dance,” she said, adding softly, “I’m a good singer too.”
Each Wednesday morning around 8:15 happy feet crowd the long main hallway of the Knox Learning Center.
Students and staff join in dancing to booming music, amplified from Dr. Timm Mackley’s phone.
“It’s a great way to start the day before classes begin. Everyone is in sync,” said Mackley, superintendent of the Knox Educational Service Center (ESC).
The ESC operates the Learning Center, a K-12 alternative school in the former Mount Vernon West Elementary building.
“Everyone is welcome to participate – elementary, middle and high school students, teachers and staff,” Mackley said. “We have a rotating schedule of dances that include the Cupid Shuffle, the Cha Cha Slide and Cotton-Eye Joe. We’re working on the Electric Slide.”
Rene Runyon, a student/staff support specialist, was instrumental in starting the weekly dance routine a few years ago.
“I like to dance and I think it starts the day off well,” Runyon said. “It’s fun. The children really enjoy seeing the adults involved. I think the dancing sets them up for a good day.”
School nurse John Campbell agreed, explaining that dancing benefits students in several ways.
“Dancing first thing in the morning gets the kids active. It stretches muscles and releases endorphins in the brain that improve mood,” Campbell said. “It’s a great way to start the day, mentally, physically and emotionally.
“I believe it stimulates focus in the classroom throughout the day.”
The weekly dance repertoire may soon expand. Mackley, Runyon and staff members Adri Trace and Bob Wihl have taken a line dancing class at the Gallagher Center.
They plan to attend a second class later this month and are encouraging others to join them.
If dancing is fun and beneficial, why not do it every morning?
“The novelty would wear off,” Mackley said. “It’s something the kids look forward to each week.”