Students at Percy Pegler School in Okotoks are getting into the groove of dance.

The school offers a dance team program where students can learn hip-hop, jazz, ballet, lyrical and contemporary dance.

Teacher Lisa Benner and educational assistant Lesley Cole were approached with the idea by a coworker to start a dance team for students who might not have the chance to do it for either financial reasons or due to their schedules outside of school.

Cole says dance team has brought multiple benefits to students.

"They learn to coordinate, to dance obviously, their confidence grows massively, they learn to work in a team, support their friends, and help each other learn the steps. It's been really good."

Benner agrees saying taking part in dance goes beyond physical health.

"We just really believe that dance is very fun but the purpose behind it is definitely that we want kids to grow in the way they're connecting with others, we want them to grow in the way they have more confidence, and even with their health so we just think that moving and dancing is a way to be healthy, active, and just have a great life."

Benner adds the program has been well received by students and has seen a large number of boys sign up.

Students have been enthusiastic about dedicating their recesses and lunch hours to learning their dances.

"I really like being in dance team because we get to each lunch together and have lots of fun."- Aaron Gibbs

"It's super fun and it gives you exercise and something to practice when you're at home."- Paisley West

"My favourite part of dance is when you get to have new friends and participate in a lot of fun stuff." - Jaelyn Webber

"I like dance because it's awesome."- Dezirae Flasch

"I love being in dance because I get to hang out with all of my friends, it's a lot of fun exercising and I get to learn a lot of new dance moves."- Jackson Macleod

Grade 3 and 4 students wrapped up their dance team performances last week and next Benner and Cole will move on to Grades 5 and 6.

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