Dance to Unite is a program that holds dance classes at public schools across NYC
NEW YORK CITY -- Dance to Unite is a program that holds dance classes at public schools across New York City.
The free afterschool sessions teach modern and cultural dances to elementary and middle school students.
The course ultimately culminates in a big performance at the end of the school year.
Beyond the art of dance, teachers focus on different cultures and acceptance.
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Every class session starts with what they call "Circle Talk," where students learn the meaning of words that teach them how to treat each other.
Teaching artist Sofi Andrews explains its all about connecting kids with each other.
"Kids are not being praised for being the best dancer in class. Kids are being praised for when they help a friend learn a new step, when they show kindness to each other when they hold the door open for a teacher," says Andrews.
Founder Galit Adani says the inspiration for the program came when she volunteered to teach dance at a nonprofit and had students who fell in love with music from Israel, Adanis home country.
