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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 Grabl...
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