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WHEREAS, Dancing Classrooms is an international program serving more than 40,500 students in 400 schools; and
WHEREAS, during the 2010-2011 school year, the Pittsburgh Public Schools, Mercy Behavioral Health, and the Extra Mile Foundation were proud to bring this program to more than 800 fifth-grade students at 16 public and parochial schools in the City of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the following schools qualified for the "Colors of the Rainbow" final event; Pittsburgh Allegheny K-5, Pittsburgh Carmalt Pre-K-8, Pittsburgh Dilworth Pre-K-5, Pittsburgh Linden K-5, Pittsburgh Phillips K-5, Pittsburgh Sunnyside K-8, Pittsburgh West Liberty K-5, and Pittsburgh Whittier K-5; and
WHEREAS, in addition to teaching ballroom dancing, Dancing Classrooms teaches valuable lessons about respectful interaction, teamwork, dedication and camaraderie among students, parents, school staff and the community; and
WHEREAS, the curriculum enhances self-esteem, encourages self-dignity, appreciation of foreign cultures and the derivation of dance, helps students overcome social anxiety and results in increased courtesy and a noticeable gain in self-confidence; and
WHEREAS, over a ten week period, Mrs. Rozana Sweeney, Mr. Terry Sweeney, Ms. Renee Irwin, Ms. Luisa V. Nayhouse, and Ms. Kelsey Kizina worked hand-in-hand with school staff throughout the school year to deliver two lessons per week, using the Dulaine Method of teaching Ballroom Dancing and preparing the students for a culminating event at each school and a special competition among all participating schools; and
WHEREAS, Dancing Classrooms Pittsburgh's "Colors of the Rainbow" final competition was held on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at Soldiers and Sailors Hall and included dancers from all qualifying schools; and
WHEREAS, Mercy Behavioral Health, part of the Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, facilitated this program with funding from the Riverset Credit Union; the Birmingham Foundation, the Buhl Foundation, the Grable Foundation, Community Care Behavioral Health, McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Tobacco-Free Allegheny;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does, hereby, declare Tuesday, May 24, 2011 as Dancing Classrooms Day in the City of Pittsburgh and encourages all citizens of Pittsburgh to observe this day, along with the students of the Pittsburgh schools, as a time to recognize and celebrate the important lessons that this program promotes.