On Thursday, May 2, students from 6 elementary schools in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood will convene for their annual “Dance-Off.” The event is the culmination of the Dancing with Class program, in which fifth and sixth grade students develop self-confidence and interpersonal skills through the practice of social dance.

Spectators will be treated to a show that includes several rounds of competition in Merengue, Waltz, Swing, Tango and Salsa. In addition, the Hedges Cuatro and Guitar Ensemble will perform a medley of Puerto Rican folkloric songs, and a group of dancers from Lindblom High School will deliver a high-energy swing dance performance.

“We have a fundamental belief in the power of social dance to build and strengthen communities, to bring people of all backgrounds together, to do something that brings joy and strengthens respect for self and others,” says Margot Toppen, Director of Dancing with Class, the youth outreach division of May I Have This Dance, Inc. “Our partnership with the schools in the Back of the Yards is incredible because we have introduced over 1,200 kids to these dance styles in the past 7 years. Because of this experience, these students are more likely to make this healthy activity a part of their social life as they grow older, and to make this type of dance a more vibrant part of mainstream culture.”

All are welcome to attend the Dance-Off, which takes place on Thursday, May 2 from 4-6pm at Lindblom High School (6130 S. Wolcott). Admission is free. Teams from Daley, Hamline, Hedges, Lara, Namaste, and Seward will compete in this year’s event.

For more information about Dancing with Class, please visit www.dancingwithclass.com