Some of you may have seen 'MAD HOT BALLROOM', a documentary about a Ballroom Dance program in NYC for 5th graders in low-income neighborhoods. They've started this now in Los Angeles, and my class participated this year, teaching 5 different dances to our students over 10 weeks and then selecting 5 couples to represent our school (Culture and Language Academy of Success) in the final competition against 14 other LA schools.
The competition was held this past Sunday in a fancy ballroom on the West-side of town. I watched and cheered on my students nervously as they danced the meringue, rhumba, foxtrot, tango and swing. I have to say, I've never been more tense or nervous as I was when they were announcing the winner. My students had worked so hard, and danced so well; i wanted them to win badly - they deserved it. The M.C. announced the 3rd place winner, the first place winner, and then the first place winner: friggin' CULTURE AND LANGUAGE ACADEMY OF SUCCESS. We won it! I lost it; went crazy hugging my students and hoisting our first place trophy up high. They allowed us, the winners, one last dance if front of the whole crowd. I've never been more happy, more proud.
I gotta give MAD props to Alaysia, Damani, Tah-je, Denzel, Kennedy, Renard, Jaida, Jerimiah, Crystal and Evan for being the best little dancers in all of Los Angeles.
And if you haven't yet been out to visit my school, you need to meet these kids. They are honestly some of the brightest, best and most inspiring little Obamas out there. Come anytime.
21 comments:
That's amazing! I just got chills again reading this and looking at the pictures! We need to come out and see your school soon!
awesome andrew!send us the video when you get it.
I got chills reading this! Let us know when they are performing, or next time you are on stage..we'd love to come see! Way to go andrew. In corny educators language "Andrew, you just received the most priceless paycheck".-ben-
Nice work Drew. It certainly sounds like your making a difference. A fitting, appropriate and inspirational way to take the Gaines-Lampi blog into the thousands. Congrats on making the 1000th post!
Didn't Andrew also have the 500th post?
Ange!
Man, I loved that documentary a couple of years ago and I ADORE your coronation of it! What a teaching moment! You're never going to forget that, man! Give those kids some serious love and congrats! Those middle schoolers are so cute all dressed to the T! What a great story. Midwest tour?
BTW, dude Ange, if you learned a few steps while they did, you're so hooked up with the chicas man! They love the latin flavor. Men that can dance well.....it's almost like the young 20 year old vampire attraction. Money
Yeah, the Andy 500. Good Memory!
Guess we'll see you at 1500!
I don't think Wes has good memory in regards to the 500th post. . . more like holding a grudge. He wanted that, man. You keep stealing the goods right out from under him!
here it is: http://gaineslampi.blogspot.com/2006/03/andy-500.html
sorry, wesser. i know this hurts a little.
Mom and I saw the raw talent on our last trip to LA. The class was in the beginnings of their ball room dancing. A dynasty is being born. Great job Ange.
LOVE IT!
Congrats to you and the kids! Very exciting! Very rewarding...teaching, isn't it?!
Hey...Norm and I took ballroom dancing...34 years ago...and the swing just last year. Remembering the steps is a problem for we old folks!
Anyway... SWEET MOMENTS you have shared! Thanks!
Does Andrew win for the most amount of comments as well? Dang Andy..14 now?
15 comments!
16, comments, anyone for 17?
Lets get 20. Bien Hecho!
#18 - Steve Lampi, special teams.
#19 - Steve Yzerman, LORD of Hockeytown.
#20 - Barry Sanders. Boom!
#21- Don Clothier. BHS phenom then what happened? Two words... Hippie Lettuce
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