By Kristian Craig Staff Writer
Move over, Fred Astaire! Step back, Michael Jackson!
Douglass has started up a ballroom dance team that hopes to compete with other schools. Students have been practicing in the cafeteria after lunch for over a month under the guidance of Orlando Arnold of Mr. Smooth Dance Studio. Arnold was brought to Douglass by Army JROTC instructor 1st Sgt. Laverne Rush.
“Two reasons why we are doing ballroom dancing: we have two military balls coming up where the ballroom dancing can come in handy; second, it teaches discipline and cooperation,” said Rush.
Rush said that the primary intent is team building for those who participate, and it gives young people a skill they can use for the rest of their life.
“The event worked out well because some of the guys benefited from it. Also, it gives the young men some ballroom experience,” said Rush.
Rush also said dancing is a great form of exercise,
“I never really knew how to dance-dance, so this is a good experience,” said Douglass senior Da’Mon Swain. “The Dec. 15 military ball is main reason for the ballroom dance classes.”
Rush said that the long-term goal is to establish a team and compete against other schools. A team of 20 boys and 20 girls.
“Once you get more into ballroom dancing, it becomes fun,” said Douglass sophomore Kyle Davis.
“It is a fun way to exercise, because learning from a person who is not only a dance teacher but was a commander in the army,” Douglass student Jonathan Enyinnah said.
