Dance Fitness no longer accepted as PE credit for juniors

As current sophomores sat in the McAfee Center recently listening to the guidance course selection presentation, many were surprised that Dance Fitness, which this year qualified for PE credit, was now listed as an elective and would not fulfill the school’s physical education requirement.

Although this policy is disappointing to some who wanted to take Dance Fitness for PE credit in their junior year, assistant principal Brian Thompson said the policy was implemented to increase enrollment in the PE classes. According to Thompson, since this school year was the first year for Dance Fitness, there were no restrictions to enrollment.

But as a result, enrollment in regular PE classes decreased; in particular, 24 students chose to take Dance Fitness to get their PE credits instead.

For the 2017-18 year, juniors who want to enroll in Dance Fitness must have completed their two years of PE credit. Seniors, on the other hand, can still receive credit for Dance Fitness to fulfill their PE requirements.

This exception for seniors is not “advertised,” Thompson said, and “on paper, Dance Fitness is still considered elective credit.”

Current junior Jaime An said she was able to take Dance Fitness this year to fulfill her last two semesters of PE credit.

“I really enjoy Dance Fitness, and I'm really happy I can still get credit for it,” An said. “If this policy was used last year, I’d probably be taking regular PE.”

Thompson said the new policy may decrease enrollment in Dance Fitness, but the number of students needed for the class has a wide range.

“You can still have Dance Fitness in the gym with 20 students or as many as 45,” Thompson said.

Dance Fitness teacher Kim Anzalone said that although she might have fewer students next year, she understands the purpose of the new rule and PE teachers’ desire to make sure students have basic understanding of fitness, teamwork and certain sports.

Still, Anzalone believes Dance Fitness is an attractive class because it allows students to work out in groups and have fun while staying fit, she said.

“Dance Fitness is so important because it teaches students a lifestyle of working out, of staying healthy,” Anzalone said. “And it allows students to not feel intimidated when they’re going to a group workout class, so they can join in more group fitness events in the future.”