History came alive for students at Take Two last week — Erin Craven taught them to swing dance.
“We’re just learning about dance history and how dances back then turn into dances we do now,” sophomore Oche Jackson said.
As a part of the chapter on the 1930’s, the students learned about jazz music, the Savoy Ballroom and how to swing dance.
“My hope would be that they understand history class can include different things,” said Craven, president of the Ardmore Contemporary Dance Company board of directors.
Jackson took a dance class last year with Craven.
“I like it. I took it last year and I just signed up for another all-girls dance thing with Ms Craven,” she said.
However, many of her classmates did not have any previous experience.
“At first I didn’t think I’d like it. I don’t like to dance, but it’s fun now,” senior Raymont Willis said.
“At first it was hard to get, then it got easy,” senior Gary Pickens said.
Yet, Pickens added that the last move they learned — in which the guy also turns — was difficult.
“It ain’t something I would do, but it’s a cool dance,” Pickens said.
The dance lessons were provided by the Ardmore Contemporary Dance Company and funded by an Arts in Alternative Education grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council.
“I would like to open students’ eyes to the more interdisciplinary approach to history, and having this small exposure to partner dancing and use it again, and just give them a little experience and a little confidence,” Craven said.
Jennifer Lindsey
221-6536
