The winning ballroom dance team at PS 129 in Queens
Fifth graders at PS 129 in Queens tangoed and waltzed their way to the top in the American Ballroom Theater’s citywide elementary school competition last month. The students’ smooth moves in a variety of dances, including the fox-trot, rumba, and meringue, helped them to capture top prize at the event, which was held at the Winter Garden Theater in Manhattan on June 21.
“I felt surprised, happy, and excited to win,” PS 129 dancer Daniel Negron said. 
Ballroom dancing was first introduced at PS 129 three years ago through a partnership between the American Ballroom Theater and dance teacher and artist Susan Seet. In the 2007-08 school year, the school’s entire fifth grade participated in the American Ballroom Theater's 12-week program, with ten students selected to compete in the final competition against teams from other public schools throughout the City.
PS 129 dancer Destinee Mbangu was thrilled to perform at the competition. “It felt really exciting to compete. I was nervous, but I got over that when I started dancing,” she said. “There were so many good dancers from the other schools, but one look at the trophy and I gave it all I had.”
Principal Marilyn Alesi was impressed by her students’ poise. “I am so proud of the way our children handled the excitement and moment of fame. They danced with elegance, pride, and humility,” she said. “The love for dancing showed in every move they made.”
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