The Dancing Classrooms Philly In-School Residency program takes place in the Parish Hall during the regular school day. All fifth graders  are required to participate. The program is structured around 10-week semesters, with classes taking place twice weekly. Teaching artists instruct students in social dance such as the merengue, foxtrot, rumba, tango, swing, and waltz and selected “sugar” dances–such as the cha cha slide, macarena, and stomp. Each residency also includes a video lesson and a guest artist visit. 

Carefully selected and trained in the Dulaine Method and the Dancing Classroom Curriculum, our Teaching Artists work very closely with classroom teachers to create curriculum connection assignments that support the academic goals of the participating class. In addition to work that supports academic content areas, students write reflections to voice their feelings about learning to dance and work with classmates.

All participating schools finish with a “Culminating Event,” after which selected students can take part in the optional Colors of the Rainbow Team Match Semi-Final event. The Culminating Event is a highlight of the residency for all members of the school community. Students, parents and teachers come together to celebrate the social development of the dancers and as well as to enjoy an elegant dance performance!

Through our standards-based, in-school residencies, we use the vocabulary of ballroom dance to cultivate the positive feelings that are inherent in every child. The maturity necessary to dance together fosters respect, team work, and a sense of joy and accomplishment that DCP believes every child should experience. Social dance calls on, and improves, a range of behavioral skills, including decision-making,goal-setting, communication, and relationship building, that are proven to provide long-term benefits to health and well-being.