Dance event inspires thousands of local students to get active

Kingston, ON —More than 6,000 local elementary students danced their way to better health this week during the annual Celebration of Dance event that took place at the Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada, Loughborough Public School, and Fairfield Elementary School. As part of the health and physical education curriculum, students from the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) have been learning nine different dance routines since January in preparation for the big event.

Students were led in dance by LDSB educators, Shelley Mulrooney and Carolyn Trepanier, who are also DANCEPL3Y instructors. “We believe that the development of physical literacy is just as important as all other curriculum areas,” said Mulrooney. “Student well-being is at the forefront of education in Ontario, so when educators and students prepare for Celebration of Dance, they have an opportunity to foster a more playful mindset in relation to physical activity and dance.”

With only 35 percent of 5 to 17 year olds in Canada meeting the recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day, this event encourages kids to get active. “Evidence suggests that children who become physically active at an early age, are more likely to continue to be physically active later in life,” said Lara Paterson, Physical Activity Specialist with KFL&A Public Health and the Limestone District School Board. “Celebration of Dance inspires kids to get active and promotes a healthy mind and body.”