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BALLROOM DANCE CLASS
 These days, two of the most popular shows on television involve dancing. Dancing With The Stars and So You Think
You Can Dance are wildly popular, and as a result, have caused a local groundswell in interest in an activity that all but
disappeared. In keeping with this increase in interest, we at Lakeridge have begun offering ballroom dance classes this
year. Students learn the Merengue, the Foxtrot, the Cha-cha, the Waltz, and the Swing. Since this is the first year that we
have offered this class, it is currently open only to ninth graders. We have hopes of expanding the program in the near
future to include eighth graders, if interest and facilities warrant it.
I would like to encourage those of you who have students going into ninth grade next year to consider signing them up
for this class. In a year where classes have to be carefully chosen, it is important to point out that
a student who takes this class earns PE Activities credit, which is required in order to graduate.
Along with the benefit of earning graduation credit, this class is worthwhile in so many other
ways. Students engage in an activity which promotes:
- proper social interaction and etiquette
- self-confidence
- coordination and poise
- music appreciation
- rhythm
- a healthy physical activity
- a life skill which they can engage in for the rest of their lives
I have been involved in ballroom dancing for over 30 years. I have performed, taught, choreographed, judged, and
written about ballroom dancing for quite some time, and count it as one of the most enjoyable and beneficial activities
with which I’ve ever been involved. It has opened many doors for me that have taken me all over the world, and the
potential is there for anyone else who tries it to have the same experience.
Here in Utah Valley, there are many opportunities for students to continue in ballroom dancing, once they leave junior
high. There are established programs in almost every local high school, and they have existed in both local colleges for
many years. This area is recognized as having the highest youth enrollment in ballroom dancing in the nation. While it
had seen a slight decline in recent years (before those two TV shows started airing), interest has once more picked up, and
demand for classes such as this has increased dramatically. And by bringing it into the schools, it becomes more
accessible and more affordable to more students.
I hope you will consider this class as a viable credit option, as well as a great opportunity for your student to learn some
very valuable life skills. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Please e-mail me at wettc423@alpine.k12.ut.us.
Sincerely,
Mr. Wettstein
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