Watch the dance video submissions that celebrate Defiant Joy!
Join Dancing Classrooms as we celebrate the accomplishments of our community and of students all across the metro area and beyond! Thank you to everyone who submitted videos demonstrating their “Defiant Joy” through Social Dance.
In case you missed it, check out the Livestreamed Awards Announcement and Community Celebration that took place on June 12, 2021! It features select submission performance videos, awards announcements, and a fun dance break!
FEATURED VIDEOS:
Youth Dance Company and Dancing Classrooms Academy Advanced Class Mashup
1st and 2nd Year Dancing Classrooms Academy Students
3rd and 4th Year Dancing Classrooms Academy Students
Congrats Messages from Council Member Barry Grodenchik and Dancing Classrooms Founder Pierre Dulaine
Student Dance Tutorials Mashup
NYC DOE Chancellor Meisha Porter and NYPD Officer Chan Dance at a Dancing Classrooms School Special Event
Congrats Messages from the Dancing Classrooms teaching artists and staff!
Acceptance Speeches
PS 189M – Bachata
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
Featuring students: Marbella, Yarleni, Cristal, Elianny, Jadiel, Othy, Brandon, Yassel, Genesis, Yohamy
“We love to dance with Ms. Barbara, our remote dancing learning is so fun, we have learned to be aware of our space and body.”
PS 89M – American Social Dance Timeline
CREATIVE UNITY – ARTISTIC TEAMWORK AWARD
“Dance has been extremely important to connect the body to the spirit. Creating energy to receive energy.”
Video Camera and Edit: Catherine Gallant
PS 48M – Swing and Waltz
SPIRIT AWARD
“For our long-time arts partner, Dancing Classrooms, there is no pandemic that could take away the joyful opportunity of teaching our students ballroom dance, while witnessing the riveting experience of becoming ladies and gentlemen.”
– Kalitchi Figueroa, PS 48M Arts Education Liaison/Theater Teacher
PS 1M – Swing
SHINING STAR AWARD
Featuring students: Shawn, Jezire, Jason, Maxim, Laila, Spirit, Sophia
“It’s been an adjustment to learn ballroom dancing virtually, without the personal and one on one interaction and support, but Ms. Akemi’s enthusiasm and the dancers’ willingness to try made it still a successful (and unique) experience.”
PS 174Q – Swing
SHINING STAR AWARD
“It’s so fun, dancing and jumping. It makes me feel so happy, calm and energetic. It’s like a fun place.”
-PS 174Q Student
Emmanuel, PS 203Q – Merengue
CHARISMA – BEST STAGE PRESENCE AWARD
“Having a virtual dance class within the school schedule was definitely a time to enjoy and relax, specially on those days when I was feeling tired of being away from my friends.”
Choreography: Emmanuel Valencia and Lenny Sanchez
Middle School Group from Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education – Swing
KEEP THE BEAT – BEST RHYTHM AWARD
“To them, dancing was their escape from reality, whether on Zoom or on days they were in person. With so much going on globally, Dancing Classrooms gave participants a reason to get up and be excited again. It also taught them how to adapt and find joy in the little things even if it is not what they have been used to.”
– Sujer Baez Hidalgo, Group Leader
Class 5B5 from PS 189M – Merengue
SHINING STAR AWARD
Featuring Class 5B5 students: Brandon, Yassel, Emely, Diego, Karla, Joandel
“In this time of a global pandemic, I am grateful that Dancing Classrooms is able to bring joy to my students and I through fun and engaging dance classes… even though we are not together physically and that we have to social distance while dancing, we still form a bond between each other. We have built a community that is respectful, caring, patient, connected, loving, free of judgement and most important, FUN!”
Heart of Dance Minnesota – Quarantine Tango
SHINING STAR AWARD
“Dancing is connection to yourself and your community.”
Fiona, Brooklyn – Waltz
GRACE & STYLE – MOST ELEGANT
“Dancing in a global pandemic has been challenging, but also eye-opening. It became more difficult to learn steps, especially without a partner or instructor and required dancers to put in more effort. However, it has also made us more grateful to see each other in real life and it is all worth it.”
Jocelyn, New Jersey – “Metamorphosis” Contemporary
GRACE & STYLE – MOST ELEGANT AWARD
“During the pandemic dancing wasn’t easy because we all had to stay at home but that didn’t stop me. The pandemic made me stay at home and that was a privilege because I could practice more at home. Over all the pandemic made me a better dancer on the inside and outside.”
Choreography: Sonia Grimaldi
Camila, Manhattan – “Sugar Plum Fairy” Salsa
FANCY FOOTWORK AWARD
“Since the start of the pandemic last March, dancing has been a source of creativity, movement, and growth. In a time when the state of the world felt far from my grasp, dancing felt attainable and offered a sense of security as we navigated uncertain times. I found it fascinating to experience how dance could be the meeting point for individuals, cultures, and various styles of music. Ultimately, the power of dance lies in the opportunity for connection that it provides, both with others, and with oneself.”
Choreography: Marlon Mills
Yunxi, PS 48R – Acro Dance
EXECUTION EXCELLENCE AWARD
“Dancing during the start of the pandemic I couldn’t go dance because we were scared to get infected, but after when the pandemic got better I had to go to dance class with mask on. It really means the world to me because my dream was dancing, and I almost had to quit because of the pandemic.”
Choreography: Mrs. Jenny
Malia-Fay, Manhattan – Flamenco
GAME CHANGER AWARD
“During this time, it’s very easy to feel lonely when you’re confined in your own home. Zoom classes become your life, and everything is consumed through technology. Dancing has always been an escape for me, and a distraction from the current state of the world. I also think a lot of amazing projects have been created through the pandemic, because we are dancers. Dancers adapt, and we make it work.”
Choreography: Malia-Fay
Winifred, Manhattan – “Joyful Dance”
EFFERVESCENCE – MOST JOYFUL AWARD
“Learning a partner dance when trapped in our apartments unable to get closer than 6 ft to other people was and still is interesting (to say the least) But, through it all teachers and students alike persisted. Even when life as we knew it came to a halt dance was still there. I came to rely on those 90 min when music would play (even it was through zoom) and everything even just for a moment got a little bit brighter.”
Gianna, PS 174Q – Stomp
SHINING STAR AWARD
“Dancing makes me happy and makes me want go with the beat. Obviously, the dance studios are closed, but dancing at home is more fun so you can dance, like “nobody’s watching”. Dancing in a pandemic, with all these struggles people are facing, makes all my stress go away. I enjoy dancing and feel great when I dance!”
Billy, PS 203Q – Line Dance
SHINING STAR AWARD
“It’s a fun activity even by yourself.”
Choreography: Billy
Urjani, PS 18Q – Hip Hop
DYNAMO AWARD
“It’s been difficult throughout the pandemic, with the lack of interaction, and in person lessons and recitals, but we have to push through the struggles and continue using other methods.”
Choreography: Urjani
Brandon, PS 189M – Hip Hop
ROCKSTAR ROOKIE AWARD
“Dancing during the pandemic makes me feel good and happy because it is fun and entertaining.”
Choreography: Brandon