Students and teachers ready to dance it up at local fundraisers
Newport Harbor High School students again have become the teachers for the sixth annual Dancing with the Staff competition to be held Thursday night on campus.
Each year, the dance-off invites Newport Harbor teachers to team up with students from the school’s dance team.
The competing teams — consisting of two students and either one or two teachers —practice dance routines for months before performing them for the school in a quest for a mirror ball trophy. Proceeds from ticket sales go toward the school dance team.
This year, the 16 girls on the dance team have rehearsed since October with 11 teachers. The audience can expect to see eight teams doing dances to themes such as 1980s, jazz and musical theater, according to Newport Harbor dance teacher Julie Simmons.
“It really gives [the students] a different perspective that sort of humanizes their teachers, and then also on the flip side, it gives the teachers an appreciation for what these girls do,” Simmons said. “Dance is not something that comes naturally to everybody, but with enough hard work, they see success.”
Bella Swart, a sophomore who is teamed with fellow dance team member Karson Speth and science teachers John Brazelton and Ed Bell, said the teachers have “worked so hard for this.”
Brazelton has laced up his dancing shoes for the event since the first one six years ago.
“I’ve got two daughters, and they were both very involved in dance when they were younger,” Brazelton said. “I figured if they can get up on stage when they were scared to death at 5 or 6 years old, then I have no excuse. It definitely opened my eyes to what great athletes these students are.”
Across town, educators at Corona del Mar Middle and High schools are prepping for a similar event, the fifth annual Dancing with the Teachers, set for Dec. 15.
Students on the high school’s Orchesis dance team will perform with staff members, including Principal Kathy Scott.
Proceeds are dedicated to the dance team.
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IF YOU GO
What: Newport Harbor High School dance team’s Dancing with the Staff
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Main gym, Newport Harbor High School, 600 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach
Cost: $10 at the door
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What: Corona del Mar High School Orchesis dance team’s Dancing with the Teachers
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 15
Where: Big gym, Corona del Mar High School, 2101 Eastbluff Drive
Cost: $5 in advance, $7 at the door
Twitter: @AlexandraChan10
