Florida High School Students Can Major in Dance

They spin. They shake. They're high school students, and they're ready to do the Hustle.Building upon the success of dance courses offered last year, New Dimensions High School in Poinciana, Fla. now allows students to pick a major where they can learn ballet, ethnic dances, and music from the disco era.The state Legislature passed a bill last year that requires students to pick a major, making this the first time students have to choose a track of study. The state has approved more than 400 majors, including biotechnology, marketing and carpentry.

Under the direction of professional dancer Nicole Acquilano, students can enroll in ethnic dance and technique classes this semester.The classes meet four times a week for 90 minutes and for an hour on Wednesdays."Confidence in high school, it changes from day to day," said Acquilano, who has been dancing for nearly 30 years. "Sometimes, they feel they're going to be on Broadway. Sometimes, they feel like they can't do it." Jessica Remarais, 17, now uses words such as rond de jambe, plie and pique turns - all movements she has learned while practicing ballet in her Technique I class."You can never sit down in that class because you are always moving," said Jessica, a senior who may major in dance in college. "You'll never be bored."
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