Oregon Alliance for
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
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- Executive Directors Message
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Human Sexuality Education, HIV/STD Hepatitis B/C Education Revised for Oregon
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E-Journal Fall 2007
Presidents Message
This year's OAHPERD annual conference is being hosted by Claggett Creek Middle School in Keizer Oregon on October12th. This lovely school provides a fabulous meeting location for the conference offering generous activity spaces, accomodating classrooms, open social spaces, and is just minutes off I-5.
The conference day begins with poster sessions and roundtables, allowing maximum flexibility for attendees to be exposed to a variety of important subjects as well as the latitude to network prior to the sessions. The sessions following include hour long presentation and skill building sessions.
We are pleased to be present the SPARK Program as the conference keynote with Paul Rosenburg (Executive Director) as the speaker. SPARK appeals broadly to the allied fields that OAHPERD represents. The keynote will provide valuable information and ideas to a spectrum of professionals and will be engaging to all.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming conference. It is a wonderful opportunity to absorb new ideas, grow professionally, make new networks, and to connect with new and old friends alike.
Make a commitment today to attend the October 12th OAHPERD conference at Claggett Creek Middle School.
Jamie Tatum
OAHPERD President
OAHPERD PAST PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dr. Peggy Anderson
Many good things have occured in the State of Oregon this past year and OAHPERD and its members played a role in many of them. The key one was the passage of HB 3141 giving Oregon's 198 school districts 10 years to meet new minimum standards for Physical Education instruction. John Vally, Oregon government affairs director for the American Heart Association was the coalition coordinator for the bill and he was aided by OAHPERD's Advocacy Chair Aleita Hass-Holcombe and many other members who contacted their local legislators ob behalf of the bill. A second key happening is the OAHPERD's Executive Director has established a list serve for all Physical Education and Health Teachers, they new will be receiving important information about OAHPERD and be encouraged to attend our Fall Confernce. Thank you Malinda.
You can find more about the PE bill and its implications plus many, many other ideas for Physical Education and Health instruction by attending the 2007 Annual Fall Confernce. Its theme is "Eat Right! Get Fit! Don't Sit!" and your OAHPERD Planning Committee has done an outstanding job of putting together this existing Conference. Hope to see you on Friday, October 12 in Salem, Orgon at Claggett Creek Middle School.
Lastly, as OAHPERD moves into the twenty first century with some bold initiatives, it needs your help. We need OAHPERD members to serve in a variety of capacities on OAHPERD's Executive Board and in OAHE and OAPE. If you are interested, please contact our Executive Director, Malinda Schlatter, Malindas@comcast.net or 503-316-8821. Have a great school year. Peggy.
OAHPERD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Greetings,
The 2006-2007 year has been a very busy one for everyone. The work all of you perform daily not only affects Oregon students but the future adults who will affect the state of Oregon. I thank each and evry one of you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and caring for your students.
The 2007 AAHPERD Conference in Baltimore, Maryland was absolutely wonderful. The variety of sessions was overwhelming. If you have never attended a National Conference, I hope you will make every effort to do so. The importance of your professional development is proceless.
I also attended The Leadership Development Conference in Washington, D. C. This conference is a life-changing event. I attended many sessions but most importantly, spent one day on “The Hill” advocating for both Health and Physical Education. The positive support from Senator Wyden’s office and Representative Hooley’s office was exciting. OAHPERD supports the President Elect with a $2,000 stipend to attend the conference every year. The President-Elect shares and gains information from all states. This not only assists when being an officer for OAHPERD but throughout your professional life. I encourage you to ask yourself “What could I bring to OAHPERD and my professional friends?” Please if you are interested in being a part of Board of Directors of OAHPERD contact Peggy Anderson: panderso@eou.edu
I hope to see you all at the OAHPERD Fall Conference, “Eat Right! Get Fit! Don’t Sit! Claggett Creek Middle School, Keizer, Oregon
Sincerely,
Malinda Schlatter
OAHPERD Executive Director
5394 Summerlake St. SE Salem, OR 97306
Phone: 503-316-8821 Fax: 503-688-4078 malindas@comcast.net
SCHEDULE FOR CONFERENCE - 2007: October, 12
| 8:00-9:00 | Round Tables |
| 9:00- 10:00 | 1 Hour Session |
| 10:15-11:15 | 1 Hour Session |
| 11:30- 12:15 | Assoc. Meetings and receive lunch tickets |
| 12:15-12:45 | Lunch |
| 12:45-1:45 | 1 Hour Session |
| 1:45-2:45 | General Meeting |
| KEYNOTE | |
| 3:00- 4:30 | One and a half Hour Sessions |
| Social Hour at location to celebrate OAHPERDs 90th Birthday | |
2007 OAHPERD State Conference Presentation Sessions
Featured Keynote
Paul Rosengard, Executive Director of the SPARK Program
Session Topics: (Poster sessions and roundtable sessions 8:00-9:00 am)
| SPARK’s Greatest Hits | Paul Rosengard |
| USTA SCHOOL TENNIS | Adam Rogers |
| GET MOVING! GET SMART! GET GOING! | Ruth Turner |
| Using PDSs for Formal Assesment of Student Learning in Physical Education | Heidi Wegis |
| Rhythm of Life | TBA |
| Glance at Classroom Management Styles | Jo Rauch |
| ATLAS & ATHENA- Evidence-based Drug & Alcohol Prevention Programs for High School Students Athletes | Melissa Durham |
| Fly Fishing | Gayle See |
| N-Rich: Encouraging Healthy Food Choices For Tweens and Teens | Jenny Vannoy |
| Using CDC’s Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT) to Enhance Physical Education | Margaret Bates |
| Yoga: A Middle School Approach | Paul Jack-Fix |
| Work Your Core: It’s not just sit-ups anymore We’d do anything! Motivations behind raising Awareness and funds for cancer charities | Stephen G Kreis, M.S. |
| Through sport participation | Mary Kreis, Ph.D |
| Games that keep them moving | Jo Rauch |
| Evidence-based practice: How do we initiate teaching based upon scientific evidence? | Jooyeon Jin Joonkoo Yun |
AAHPERD JRFH/HFH Grant Program
The Program:
Grant recipients will receive a maximum of $2500. Up to $1300 of these funds will pay for the
recipient’s AAHPERD membership dues for one year (if the member is not a current AAHPERD
member) and will assist the recipient with travel to the AAHPERD National Convention and
Exposition. The remaining $1200 will be given to th e recipients in the form of a US Games
certificate, redeemable for equipment to enhance physical education programs. Recipients will
also receive the NASPE Quality PE package (which includes NAPSE standards, Opportunity to
Learn Standards, Appropriate Practice, and Standards-based Assessment of Student Learning)
for their appropriate grade levels.
Criteria
• Applicants must have conducted a JRFH or HFH event in the past year.
• Applicants must submit a brief paper (no more than 2 pages):
o Focus on the passion you, your students, your school, and your community has for
JRFH/HFH.
o Summarize how the grant will enhance your school’s physical education program
in a way that aligns with the NASPE Standards and Guidelines.
o Include a sample budget to support the program/equipment described in your
paper.
• Recipients must write one article for The Pulse newsletter. (Required only of grant
recipients; a timeline will be established after recipients are announced).
Please send both your typed grant proposal form and paper to the AAHPERD Joint Projects
Office, 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191 by October 15, 2007. Faxed proposals can be
sent to 703.476.9527 and emailed proposals can be sent to scassette@aahperd.org .
A panel consisting of members of the AAHPERD/AHA Joint Projects Committee will determine
the grant recipients. Recipients will be notified December 15, 2007. A list of all recipients will
be posted on the AAHPERD website (www.aahperd.org) by the end of December.
If you have any questions regarding this grant program please contact Caroline Taylor, Joint
Projects Program Administrator, at 800.213.7193 or via email at ctaylor@aahperd.org .
OAPE President’s Annual Review
Ann C. Asbell
It was an exciting time at the 2006 OAHPERD Conference when OAPE (Oregon Association for Physical Education) elected excellent leaders to the Board of Directors. In recent years some Board positions have not been filled. The full OAPE Board consists of 23 members which is really a large Board! The Board includes council chairs and chair-elects in elementary, middle and high school, college, adult, dance, adapted physical education, sport, and member-at-large. In addition the offices of president-elect, president, past president, secretary-treasurer elect, secretary-treasurer, student-elect, and student chair are all part of the Board. What a diverse group of wonderful professionals make up this Board!
Through the year these folks have learned a great deal about OAPE, and they have gotten to know each other. Their responsibilities have not been overwhelming, and I hope the rewards have been worth their efforts. We put a great deal of effort into getting the Constitution, By-Laws, and Operating Codes updated. The OAPE membership will vote on these changes at the 2007 Conference. Please go to the OAHPERD Website and access the Winter E/Journal to review the changes prior to the meeting. http://www.oahperd.com/ejournal.php Physical Education in Oregon reached a new milestone with the passage of House Bill 3141 this summer. Many people contributed to the successful passage of this legislation mandating minimum minutes of physical education in elementary and middle schools. OAPE Board members were part of the team that supported this legislation.
Board members have also been part of the network that passed along information to physical educators across the state. They also took a role in advocating for physical education within their communities.
Some members have contributed to the OAHPERD Journals. Others have explored how we can set up an OAPE Website. Most members have contributed to the planning of the 2007 OAHPERD Conference. All members have promoted the importance of quality physical education. It is our passion! An important activity of the OAPE Board is recognition of outstanding teachers and programs. The National Teacher of the Year Award begins with the OAPE Board and the OAPE members. People who were nominated at the 2006 OAPE Association meeting were contacted and encouraged to submit a nomination. We hope to recognize our first Excellence in Teaching Awards at the 2007 OAPE Association meeting.
Through my career I have been involved in several volunteer positions in professional organizations. My greatest reward has been the opportunity to meet other professionals. I promised the OAPE Board that participation on the Board would be fun, and we did have fun at our meetings. In particular we spent 24 hours at Newport where we accomplished goals and had a wonderful time with each other. Other meetings have been in Salem where we have mixed work with play. After all, play is what we do best! Please express your appreciation to OAPE Board members and consider joining
this fun, exciting group of professionals. Twelve new members will be elected in October. Contact me if you have an interest: ann.asbell@oregonstate.edu.
Human Sexuality Education, HIV/STD Hepatitis B/C Education Revised for Oregon
The 2007-08 school year is about to begin and we pleased to share with you that Oregon’s State Board of Education has taken another huge step forward to strengthen our sexuality education laws. These laws provide guidance to Oregon educators in the development of classroom instruction helping our schoolage youth make safer choices in regard to their sexual health. While teen pregnancy rates have dropped over the last 8 years, we are currently seeing an increase in sexually transmitted diseases among our youth. It is important we continue to stress abstinence is the only choice that is 100% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy and STD’s, but not to the exclusion of information and instruction on contraceptives and disease reduction measures for those youth who are currently or will choose to become sexually active in the future.
On June 21, 2007, the Oregon State Board of Education unanimously approved major revisions to OAR 581-22-1440, the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B/C Education Law. These revisions have given Oregon the distinction of having one of, if not the most, comprehensive HIV/AIDS education laws in the nation. In an era where many states are “back-peddling”, with regard to sexuality education, Oregon has taken the courageous step of strengthening its resolve to provide its students with comprehensive, abstinencebased, research-based HIV/AIDS education. It is no secret what educational strategies work and what strategies do not work in sexuality education. With these revisions, the Oregon State Board of Education
is sending a clear message to schools and teachers that effective, proven educational strategies need to be implemented if we are going to expect our youth to make safer choices about protecting their sexual health.
Highlights of the 2007 revisions to OAR 581-22-1440 include the following:
1) Sexuality education, unintended pregnancy, HIV/STD, Hepatitis B/C prevention education is now required to be taught annually in grades 6-8, and “at least twice during grades 9-12”;
2) A comprehensive, abstinence-based approach is required;
3) Schools must use “skills-based teaching strategies…about contraceptives and other disease reduction measures”, and;
4) Schools program of instruction shall be “…culturally and gender sensitive… recognizes different gender identities/orientations and gender roles.”;
5) Aligns with Oregon Health Education Content Standards and Benchmarks and with ORS 336-455, Human Sexuality Education law.
At the classroom level, what do these changes mean? First, “abstinence-only” and “abstinence-only until marriage” programs and/or presentations do not comply with the requirements of the law. Evaluations of these programs over the last 20+ years have shown that they do not work. Second, schools need to use programs that have documented proven effectiveness in reducing sexual risk behavior.
To support the implementation of these revisions, Oregon receives funding through the CDC, which supports workshops, curriculum trainings, and an “awareness” campaign to assist teachers and administrators during the transition to programs with proven effectiveness. This funding will provide, at
little or no cost, the technical assistance needed for Oregon schools to deliver a comprehensive, effective approach to their students. We know if we give our youth the knowledge, and most importantly, the skills to make healthy, safer choices that will protect them from HIV/STDs and unintended pregnancies, they will make the right choices.
If you would like the full text of OAR 581-22-1440 you may contact me or go to www.ode.state.or.us, “Menu”, “Policy”, “State”, “Education Rules”. Also, please access our Human Sexuality Education web site for a wealth of resources on sex education, and HIV/STD, unintended pregnancy prevention education:
http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=836
Brad Victor, MAT
Sexuality Education Program Specialist
Oregon Department of Education
503-947-5655
brad.victor@state.or.us
Behind the Scenes
Aleita Hass-Holcombe
The quest for legislative support to improve the quality of Physical Education for Oregon students took a big step forward on June 26, 2007. As one of our major advocacy heroes, Phil Donovan, stated, “This morning, the Senate passed the inventory and minute standard contained in House Bill 3241. The Senate vote was 28-1…coming on the heels of a 52-2 vote yesterday in the House of Representatives.”
Although the voting tallies are the bottom line, they don’t really reveal all the behind the scenes efforts and interactions that it takes to have the above outcome. Some of you might be remembering that we had three bills: Senate Bill 370 (Minimum Minutes), Senate Bill 367 (Inventory) and Senate Bill 372 (Assessment). As the legislative session progresses lots of things happen to shape and reshape original legislation. Compromise, vigilance and tenacity are key! House Bill 3141 captures two out of three and although we didn’t get everything we wanted another of our heroes, John Valley, puts it in perspective. “Although we did not get the $6 million we were looking for to fund SB 370, $1 million dollars was released to fund PE this biennium for the infrastructure of SB 370 as well as SB 367. What does this mean? … Late yesterday [June 25] afternoon HB 3141 became the vehicle for an omnibus education policy spending bill, which included the language from SB 367 and SB 370. This means there will be $140,000 allocated to the ODE to conduct an inventory of how many minutes of PE is being taught per week in elementary schools and middle schools. $860,000 will be spent to create and implement the grant program with 150 minutes of weekly PE instruction being required for elementary schools and 225 minutes per week for middle schools now being the stated PE policy of Oregon. Compliance will not be expected until the 2017-2018 academic year unless you receive grant funds from ODE…I know this is not the amount of money we were originally looking for, although a couple of weeks ago it looked like we were not going to get any money at all. It definitely made a difference when we decided to turn up the heat on targeted legislators at our last meeting.”
John’s email gives just a taste of what happens behind the scenes. John and Phil were not alone in this summer’s legislative marathon. There were calculated assignments given to a great number of advocates who scurried up and down the elevators visiting legislators and bringing compelling testimony for why this P.E. legislation needed to happen in ‘07’.
One more email quote from Phil extends thanks to the many, many, many folks who contributed to the bottom line vote. “Congratulations everyone…this was a nice victory for our coalition. By combining our resources, expertise and relationships we not only have a best recommended practice established as Oregon’s policy for physical education, we also have a plan to meaningfully implement the standard.”
Oregan Department of Physical Education
Margaret Bates: margaret.bates@state.or.us
Greetings for the fall of 2007!!! Here’s an update:
2007 Legislature gone!!
CIM/CAM gone? Well sort of. July 1, 2008 the CIM/CAM will be no longer part of the Oregon system of education. The provision of the law that addresses CIM/CAM (Section 41) does not go into effect until 2008-09 school year. Until then, everything regarding CIM/CAM (including work samples) remains the same. It is likely after July 2008, the State Board will adopt rules that include work samples as part of the new diploma requirements. This may include the Physical Education Subject Area Endorsement work samples and Performance Requirements becoming part of the physical education credit towards graduation. To become familiar with the High School Physical Education work samples and Performance Requirements go to http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/standards/sae/sae_performance_requirements_pe.pdf
House Bill 3141 (Replaced HB 367 and HB 370) Required physical education for all students K-8? Yes! Something we have been working toward for years is becoming a reality. The Governor signed House Bill 3141 requiring K-5 students receive physical education 150 minutes per week and students in grades 6-8 receive 225 minutes. The instruction needs to be a sequential, developmentally appropriate curriculum that is designed, implemented and evaluated to help students develop the knowledge, motor skills, self-management skills, attitudes and confidence needed to adopt and maintain physical activity throughout their lives. At least 50% of the physical education class time is to be actual physical activity with as much time as possible spent in moderate physical activity.
Lest you think students with disabilities or chronic health problem have been left out of
this bill read on! The law states: “Students with disabilities shall have suitably adapted physical education incorporated as part of the individualized education program developed for the student under ORS 343.151. A student who does not have an individualized education program but has chronic health problems, other disabling conditions or other special needs that preclude the student from participating in regular physical education instruction shall have suitably adapted physical education incorporated as part of an individualized health plan developed for the student by the school district or public charter school.”
Every school district is to be in compliance by the 2017-18 school year. In addition to the required minutes, the House Bill also directs ODE to gather information from school districts about: 1) The number of minutes of physical education that are provided to students in kindergarten through grade 8 each school week in each public school within the district; 2) The physical capacity of public schools to provide students in kindergarten through grade 5 and grade 6-8 the required number of minutes per week.
You can read the complete bill at:
http://www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measpdf/hb3100.dir/hb3141.en.pdf
For the purpose of meeting the physical education requirements of HB 3141 the Legislature allotted $860,000 to ODE. The money will be distributed through competitive grants. Grant applications will be available through the ODE website in late October 2007. The district or school that receives a grant may use the grant to:
(a) Hire teachers who specialize in physical education; and
(b) Provide in-service training to teachers on the academic content standards for physical education.
OP ED: VOLUNTEERING – WHAT IT MEANS – WHERE HAS IT GONE?
Ann C. Asbell, President, OAPE
“The spirit of volunteerism is thriving in the heartland, but not so much on the coasts.”
This claim was made by Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press, as reported in the Corvallis Gazette-Times, July 9, 2007. The article reviewed a government study released later in July. Robert Grimm, director of research and policy development for The Corporation for National and Community Service, said: “Volunteering is not something that’s just nice to do, it’s necessary to solve important community problems.” The article reported that 26.7% of adults in 2006 indicated that they had volunteered in the previous year which is a 2.1% drop from the previous year. The lowest rates were recorded by cities on the coasts although Seattle was in the top five list of percentage of people who volunteer.
What could be the cause of this trend? I grew up in the Midwest, in relatively small communities. In comparison to Oregon, there is not nearly as much to do in these communities. Community activities, especially school activities, are often the focus of entertainment for residents. Oregonians value a different way of life and are a more independent society. We enjoy participating in outdoor activities with small groups of friends. Life values are different in the Midwest. Possibly these differences contribute to the trend mentioned above. What else could contribute to a decline in volunteering?
The times have changed. In my undergraduate preparation, it was made very clear to me by my instructors that participation in professional organizations was not an option; it was expected and necessary – and exciting! I respected these expectations of my professors, and I
began attending state conferences my freshman year. I attended my first national convention before I graduated. It was instilled in me that volunteering was an important part of being a teacher. Unfortunately, I have not been particularly successful in passing this attitude to my
students. Why?
Time! Diversification! The number of options that can occupy our free time seems to be almost overwhelming. Cost! Although it has become cost prohibitive to be involved in many organizations or activities, OAHPERD and AAHPERD are relatively inexpensive. Commitment! For whatever reason people are less willing to make a commitment, not just to professional organizations, but to many opportunities in life. Lack of Rewards! Compensation!
There is rarely monetary compensation or opportunity for advancement based on volunteering. Expectations for volunteering appear to have a long term commitment, and the duties may appear to be overwhelming. There are probably more reasons, but it has become evident that professionals are reluctant to volunteer time to professional organizations in Oregon. OAHPERD is suffering because health and physical education professionals will not volunteer to take leadership positions. Peggy Anderson, Jamie Tatum, Jean Rix, and Jennifer Purcell served additional terms of office because nobody stepped forward to fill open offices. How can OAHPERD attract more leaders? Maybe the problem is in the expectations of those who depend on volunteers. I learned a valuable lesson from a friend who is the queen of volunteering. She is not afraid to tackle any project in which she has a strong passion. In her case, the passions are bicycling, travel, and science education. This is her philosophy: In a volunteer job; anything that is done must be appreciated! Others do not have the right to be critical as long as the volunteer is making an effort. To volunteer then do nothing increases the work for others and bogs down efforts! Do something!
More information about the grant will be forthcoming. Go to the ODE physical education website for up-to-date information: www.ode.state.or.us/go/phsyicaleducation
Senate Bill 517
Coaches!!! Attention!! The Legislature passed a bill to become law concerning anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing substances. The law includes definitions of the terms and says: a “school district employee may not 1) Knowingly sell, market or distribute an anabolic steroid or performance enhancing substance to a kindergarten through grade 12 student with whom the employee has contact as part of the employee’s school district duties; or 2) Knowingly endorse or suggest the ingestion, intranasal application or inhalation of an anabolic steroid or performance-enhancing substance by a kindergarten through grade 12 student with whom the employee has contact as part of the employee’s school district duties.” An employee is: a) An administrator, teacher or other person employed by a school district; b) A person who volunteers for a school district; and c) A person who is performing services on behalf of a school district pursuant to a contract.
In addition, starting in the 2007-08 school year, the law requires school districts teach about anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing substances in the health and physical education curriculum using such programs as the Oregon Health and Science University’s Athletes
Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids (ATLAS) and Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives (ATHENA), which have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing anabolic steroid and performance-enhancing substance use by high school athletes.
To read the entire bill (about ½ page long) go to:
http://www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measpdf/sb0500.dir/sb0517.en.pdf
High School Diploma Any change? Yes! Starting for 2006-07 Seniors, diploma requirements include
• developing an education plan;
• building an education profile;
• a collection evidence demonstrating extended application
• demonstrating career-related knowledge and skill
• participating in career –related learning experiences outlined in the education plan 2006-2007 Freshman will be required to complete 4 credits of language arts, and 3 credits of math.
As physical educators at all levels, encourage students to include in their education plan physical activity and physical education. Have them include collecting evidence to show extended application. Middle and high school teachers, especially, make contact with your counselors and school leadership to find out how your school is assisting students to develop an education plan. Physical education should be part of the education plan, not just the 1 credit requirement, but continued physical education will engage the student in physical activity. For more information visit ODE website at:
http://www.ode.state.or.us/teachlearn/certificates/diploma/diploma-at-a-glance.pdf
Have a wonderful 2007 and please feel free to contact me anytime for your questions, concerns, and successes! If you are interested in being on my physical education email list, please let me know.
Music and Movement Class
By Jo Rauch
Physical Education Specialist
Sam Case Elementary
Lincoln County School District
M&M is what the students at Sam Case Elementary in Newport, Oregon call their Music and Movement class every Friday. In order to get more minutes of Physical Activity in our schedule we created M&M classes. All students have 2 classes of PE a week plus an M&M class; grades 1 - 2 have 90 minutes of activity each week, while grades 3 – 5 have 120 minutes of activity. To accomplish this all classes are double classes on Fridays, ranging from 50 to 75 students per class. Parent helpers are invited to class to help with crowd control. When we first started the M&M classes we applied forNCLB Title VII monies through our District to help purchase multicultural music and rhythm sticks. The dances we do range from line, contra, square, circle, ballroom, funk, hip - hop and many more styles of dance. The students learn which country the dance originated from, how the dance evolved or why the dance was done – a celebration dance, mixer, portraying work, etc... The younger students learn modified steps or
patterns while grades 4 – 5 do the dances with no modifications. All students learn the basic steps then transfer these skills from dance to dance. We have done dances from all over the world. We have created theme dance days such as dances you would do on a cruise - wearing beach attire for the day. We have set up the gym like a disco with the lights and disco ball so they could experience the disco era. We have them wear 50’s attire for the jitterbug, twist, and other 50’s dances. They wear western attire for Western Line dancing to mention a few.
We bring guest in to help teach M&M classes. Over the years we have used the Navy and Coast Guard to teach cadence marching; local dance school teachers for Hip Hop, Funk, Tap and Contemporary; community members to teach Hawaiian, West African, and Native American dances. We have had a mime teach them the basics of Mime.