Patrick Henry High dancers are making all the right moves 

It’s all about the right moves – and the funding.

Patrick Henry High School dance teacher Sara Dickman said she loves the opportunities students have to learn dances and perform at various school functions.

To her, it is the desire to move and learn about dance that matters.

According to Dickman, there are two components to the school’s dance program: the dance team and elective Visual and Performing Arts dance classes.

“The dance team has been going strong for 13 years and is an after-school program,” Dickman said. “The VAPA dance classes are brand new this year and are built into the students’ daily schedule.”

Thanks to Prop 28 funding, Dickman said, Patrick Henry High School was able to create the new elective opportunity for its students, providing them access to dance education during the school day.

Dickman noted that during the school day, students receive technical training, learn a variety of dance styles and the vocabulary associated with them, dance history, and the elements of choreographing a dance.

“Some students enrolled in the VAPA dance classes are also on the dance team, while some are taking dance for the very first time. Our dance programs are designed to provide students access to dance both in and out of the school day.”

According to Dickman, there are 42 students on the dance team. The VAPA dance classes, which are in the early growing stages, currently include about 75 students.

“Our dance team provides opportunities for students to learn dances and perform at sporting events, dance concerts, and some even at competitions,” Dickman said..

“One of our classes is unique in that it integrates students from the general education population with students with extensive support needs,” she added. “It’s a great class.”

Roman Garbowski is one of the students enjoying the dance opportunities.

“As a senior, I initially joined dance because it seemed like a cool class, and I already had formal dance training,” Garbowski said. “The focus on technique and the people in the class make it the best part of my morning. I want to get the most creative and technical skills out of this class, as it is such a great, fun opportunity to learn.”

Fellow student Camila Luna Estrada said she joined dance because not only does she like to dance, but she also wanted to try something new and see what she was capable of.

“What I like about dance is that you can be yourself with the movements and that you can express your feelings through dance,” Luna Estrada said. “Something I would like to learn from dance is to have more self-confidence and be able to express what I feel, and also to learn new dance steps.

With October turning to November in a few more weeks, the dance team has a fall show Nov. 5-6. There will also be a VAPA night Dec. 5, which includes the dance team, VAPA dance, and music and theater classes.

“To join our VAPA dance classes, students need to talk with their counselors to make the change, and there is no experience necessary, just the desire to move and learn about dance,” Dickman said, adding that although the current dance team is formed and performance-ready, auditions for next year’s team will be held in the spring.