Dancing After School At NYS

By Tanjua Damon

Dancing can be an awkward activity for some, but middle school students have been getting some help learning how to dance popular, Latin, and folk dances through a Newtown Youth Services after- school program.

Two Newtown High School Seniors, Sarah Letson and Kathy Deng, also members of the National Honor Society, have been teaching the after-school sessions to a small group of young ladies who want to learn how to dance better. The group meets on Mondays from 4 to 5 pm at Newtown Youth Services.

The two high school students were looking for a way to benefit their community and a way to earn honor society hours and thought the class would be fun for middle school students.

“We love dance,” Sarah said. “And because we like working with the middle school.”

It is also important for middle school students to have people as role models.

“Because people need to do things for others,” Kathy said. “I like making people happy, and I loved seeing older role models when I was younger. I think people should be there.”

Kelly McPhee joined the dance group to help her gain experience so she can take tap dance lessons over the summer.

“I had been meaning to do dance. I wanted to do tap dance, but I saw this and thought it would give me an opportunity to tap dance,” Kelly said. “I didn’t quite know what it was going to be like. It’s lots of fun.”

Maryellen Sloane knew Kathy Deng before through tutoring and thought she could learn some dance moves too.

“I just like to dance,” Maryellen said. “[I am learning] rhythm definitely.”

Angela Viesto agreed that the class is fun. She took ballroom dancing last year and thought she could add a few more steps.

“I love it,” Angela said. “It’s fun to dance. I like to dance.

The class is still meeting for a few more weeks. If anyone is interested in joining the after school program on Mondays from 4 to 5 pm, call Newtown Youth Services at 270-4335.