By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
CLAY – Students from Clay-Chalkville High School took home the trophy for the second consecutive year at the Magic City Dance Off on Feb. 14, 2023. The dance competition is held annually for exceptional education students in Jefferson County Schools.
“The Magic City Dance Off has been held for the past 10 years as a way for students with special needs to work with typical peers to create dance performances,” said Wanda Westbrook. “Acts are judged on the evidence of practice, the participation of all students with disabilities, and coordination with nondisabled students.”
Westbrook, who serves as adapted PE coordinator for Jefferson County schools, helps organize the event each year. This year’s competition was held at Pinson Valley High School. Nine schools participated in the dance competition and 12 schools attended.
“It’s one of the things they (students) look forward to each year,” said Dr. Orletta Rush. She said activities like the dance contest and proms are empowering for special needs students who may not feel as connected to other events. “This is an opportunity just for them.”
Rush serves as Deputy Superintendent for Jefferson County Schools and also serves as a member of the city council in Clay.
Clay-Chalkville High School teachers Julie Crouch and Chelsea Holmes worked with the winning team. Teachers from Gardendale and Mortimer Jordan high schools prepared food for the participants with chicken donated from Tyson and chips from Golden Flake.
“Teachers are often amazed at the enthusiasm from students as they learn a dance,” Westbrook said. “It is not unusual for quiet students to excel during the performances.”
Acts are judged by evidence of practice and participation level. The winning team receives $200 for their classroom account and a trophy. The runner up receives $100 for their classroom. Dancers are spread out across two divisions for middle school and high school. Erwin Middle School won their division.
Students and teachers from Pinson Valley decorated for the competition and served as ambassadors, greeting visiting students and teams. The Pinson Valley fine arts department provided music and audio for the teams.
“The Magic City Dance Off is a wonderful opportunity for students with different abilities to develop friendships that continue during the school year and beyond,” Westbrook said.