Chicago Kids Are Having a Ball
Hugely popular ballroom dance program helps kids with self confidence
Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 | Updated 1:44 PM CST
Nice moves, kid.
Some good moves are coming out of Chicago Public Schools.
A thousand CPS kids have learned to dance for the "Having a Ball" ballroom dance competition -- and it's not just about doing the cha cha.
For 20 weeks in 40 CPS schools, coming to class means putting on the dancing shoes as part of the regular school day. Administrators and teachers say the program helps kids gain confidence, improve their interpersonal skills and learn to dance all at the same time.
"This kind of program really teaches people how to relate to one another at another level, and I think really gives the children a head start socially in life," said Michael Scott, Chicago Board of Education president.
The students, who reflect the city's diverse ethnic makeup, all get to learn about other cultures as they explore the origins of each dance.
"I've learned the tango, the waltz, the pasa doble, the cha cha and the jive," one boy told NBC.
Each couple competes with all of the dances they know, regardless of school affiliation.
On the night of the final competition, the boisterous crowd quieted as the music started, all eyes watching the 30 finalist couples show off their poise and perfection. The evening ended as six couples were honored for their performances.
For these kids, it was a night to grow in the spotlight -- all of them dancing, and all of them stars.
NBC News' Kevin Tibbles contributed to this report.
Posted Thursday, Jul 30, 2009 - 1:44 PM CST
