It was the performance of a lifetime for some Staten Island middle school students, who got to dance at Barclays Center before a recent Brooklyn Nets game. As part of our Fit Kids February coverage, NY1’s Amanda Farinacci filed this story.
The students of Staten Island's PS 36 Dance Company certainly did look like big shots recently at Barclays Center. The fourth and fifth graders performed for eight minutes before the Nets took the court to play the Los Angeles clippers.
"It was a little scary but I think it was really fun," said fifth grader Michelle Guida.
The school's Dance Company started seven years ago, under licensed dance instructor Joanna Falkenhainer, or Miss F, as she's known.
Their practice space is a former cafeteria, now outfitted with dance mats, a sound system, ballet bars and mirrored walls. More than one hundred fourth and fifth graders are in the elective program.
"It's something that people wouldn't think you do but it makes you feel good inside how they never know and then they see and they're like oh wow," said fifth grader Joseph Savino.
Falkenhainer teaches all of the kids at PS 36 a variety of dance styles, starting in pre-kindergarten. The fourth and fifth graders in the dance company practice twice a day, two times a week, and even more when they've got an upcoming performance.
They beat out other troupes to perform at Barclays after submitting a video of their routines. Their show at the arena was their biggest yet.
"I love it because we have morning dance every day, we get extra practices. It's a nice exercise and it's really fun," said Olivia Cordova, fifth grader.
"I just feel alive whenever I dance,” said John Ledwith, fifth grader.
When they're not rehearsing for their next performance, the kids spend time in the classroom, learning things like how healthy eating can help improve their dancing.
"How can I be a healthy dancer? How does my body work? How do I move this way? How can I figure out that? So health and nutrition is definitely a big part of what we teach with them too," said Falkenhainer.
The students have a busy dance card. In addition to a spring performance at their school, they'll be dancing at some local fundraisers, and have been invited BACK to Barclays, to perform before a college basketball tournament.
During the month of February, Time Warner Cable News is committed to informing our viewers of the sometimes alarming trends facing our kids' health as well as provide helpful tips for busy parents. Get more information on Fit Kids February, including the Fit Kids Challenge, healthy shopping suggestions and ways you can get involved to help make you and your children healthier!