Knightly News

Something as simple as a pair of tap shoes and a great rhythm can forge powerful connections between people. Members of the Dance Masters Seminar class are discovering this as they volunteer through the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s Dance For All project.

According to the Arts Council, “Dance For All is a multi-tiered program created to widen dance opportunities to those with disabilities and/or limited access to the art form.” For six weeks, volunteer dancers team up with an Arts Council dance instructor and occupational therapist to offer beginning dance lessons to young people. Episcopal dance teacher Christine Chrest says dancers Ella Chapman, Valerie O’Connor, Ava Rose Robertson and Caroline Waters are happy to be involved in this opportunity to bring dance to others. “They are using their talent for something beyond us,” she says. “They are using their talent for something that can be really impactful.”

In speaking with senior Ella Chapman and junior Valerie O’Connor it’s easy to see that the dancers are as impacted as those learning. “We can’t keep our passion to ourselves,” says Ella, who has been dancing for 13 years. “Watching others become passionate is rewarding, especially if we’re part of that,” says Valerie, a 15 year dancing veteran. Ella and Valerie have been dancing since they could walk, and as they discuss their experiences with the Dance For All students, their eyes light up with excitement. “You can tell how much fun they’re truly having,” says Ella. “The girls are so sweet. They would tell us all their stories, favorite songs and colors.”

Dance For All classes are offered to young dancers 5 to 11 years old and 12 and older, and no experience is necessary. A caring community of volunteers and family members supports the young dancers and attends each class. The atmosphere is one of acceptance and sharing, where everyone celebrates progress, no matter how big or small. Recently, Chrest and the Episcopal students were moved when a dad joined his daughter, jumping and laughing as they learned new steps together. Such a display of joy makes the Episcopal dancers love their art form all the more.

Research shows tremendous benefits associated with dance. According to the National Dance Education Organization, “Research and anecdotal evidence indicated that dance education contributes to students’ physical, emotional, and social well-being by providing a method of physical awareness and fitness, an outlet for creativity and personal expression, and a means to develop social-emotional skills, such as self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Students who study dance develop 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, and creativity, and dance has been shown to positively affect students’ attitudes, perceptions, and values.”

As the young dancers master a twirl or tap their shoes, they aren’t aware of these benefits. Instead, they laugh and shout, “I did it!” with the sense of wonder that dance provides. “Dance is a life changer,” says Chrest. “It’s valuable, powerful, joyful, empowering. It’s really powerful to give students access.” Ella and Valerie hope to continue participating in Dance For All for the remainder of the school year. The young dancers they’ve worked with will have a special opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned through Dance For All. The students will participate in Baton Rouge’s Festival of Lights celebrating the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree tonight. It’s sure to be a night to remember for the young dancers, parents and volunteers who gave it their all for Dance For All.

Join us in thanking the Episcopal dancers for sharing the Spirit of Episcopal with the community.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.