Mountain View School District’s Conga Kids Dance Semifinal Competition showcased the dance skills of fifth grade dance teams from seven MVSD schools. The El Monte Community Center was electric with parents, family members, school and district personnel in attendance to cheer on the dancers as they competed for a chance to advance to the Conga Kids Finale Celebration at LA Live on May 10.
Conga Kids is part of MVSD’s comprehensive visual and performing arts program and brings a teaching-artist-in-residence into the schools, providing fifth graders throughout the district the opportunity to participate in 19 weekly culturally diverse dance lessons in African Diasporic Social and Partner dances including Merengue, Danzón, Salsa, Authentic Jazz, and Hip Hop.
The semifinal competition featured the teams from Baker, Maxson, Miramonte, Monte Vista, Parkview, Payne and Twin Lakes who performed phenomenally, making the job very tough for the judges. After scores were tallied, Parkview’s team was victorious, taking first place and earning a spot at the Finale Celebration. Only a few points behind was Monte Vista’s team which placed 2nd.
Parkview team member, Josue Romero was very nervous before the competition as he practiced his dances before going on stage. Salsa is his favorite dance and he’s really enjoyed learning all the dances and being in Conga Kids.
Celebrating his teams’ victory, and getting hugs and high-fives from his family, Romero stated that winning first place feels crazy.
“It’s insane that we won! I was so nervous but it was fun being on stage and it’s so great that we won! I’m very excited to go to LA Live and dance some more,” he said as he clutched the 1st place trophy.
According to Devin Holliman, Conga Kids Program and Curriculum Director, in addition to dancing, the 5th graders practice respect, teamwork, and inclusion through their dynamic 19-week journey. The Conga Kids program includes explicit integration of CASEL’s social and emotional learning framework, helping students develop essential tools for a successful life.
“Our students were incredible,” said Dr. Raymond Andry, MVSD Superintendent. “They had excellent stage presence and really enjoyed performing. We had so many families in the audience supporting their children’s participation in the arts and it was amazing,” he added.
The Mountain View School District is proud of all the fifth-grade dancers who participated in the Conga Kids program and represented their schools and the District so well.
“MVSD is committed to providing visual and performing arts opportunities for students and we are grateful for our five-year partnership with Conga Kids and for all the teaching artists who work with our students and transform them into amazing dancers,” said Andry. “The students not only come away with great dance skills but develop life skills such as discipline, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and cooperation.”
Parkview’s team will continue to rehearse as they gear up for their performance at LA Live where they will compete against other schools to be crowned the Conga Kids Grand Champions. Go Parkview Eagles! Your MVSD team is rooting for you!