From Patricia Yu at Hart Middle School:
Thomas Hart's Swing Dance Competition is back!
A long-standing tradition and favorite, the swing dance competition began almost 16 years ago, by P.E. teachers Sherri Jaksoniak and Pat Hallahan, at Pleasanton Middle School. When Jaksoniak and Hallahan began teaching at Thomas Hart in 2000, they brought the competition with them.
Today, the tradition is carried on by Tim Santich and Dan Fenton. The student dancers compete for two weeks with eliminations occurring every day until we reach 20 couples. The competition is open to any 7th and 8th grade student who wants to dance.
The finals are held on Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m. in the gym. The 20 couples will be competeing for the top three spots. The top three couples will receive medals. The top 20 couples all receive certificates of participation. Every couple who participates receives a "Front-Of-The-Line" pass good for a week.
Students learn to swing dance, line and square dance, as part of the pysical education curriculum. It's great exercise while having fun and building confidence. This is a fun and energetic activity that any student can participate in-- no matter their skill level.
The competition helps to foster a sense of pride and school spirit. We encourage the community to come and watch and support our dancers.
Parents, Grandparents and other family members are welcome to come and cheer on the dancers. Students come in during their lunch to cheer on their friends. Every one at Thomas Hart supports the Swing Dance Competition from the office staff to the teachers but most especially the students. The competition is all for them to show off for their parents, show pride in their skills as dancers, and most especially for them to have fun!
