PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Fifth grade can be an awkward age, but a Pittsburgh program called “Dancing Classrooms” helps kids put their “best foot forward.”

Concord Elementary in Carrick is one of many Pittsburgh schools in the program, sponsored by Mercy Behavioral Health.

Dance instructor Rozana Sweeney says dancing helps fifth-graders improve their social skills.

“This is a difficult age,” she said. “They’re in between going from elementary school to middle school which is a big transition.”

They learn five dances, from the tango to the fox trot. The dance teacher says it’s a matter of confidence.

“At first, you run into things like ‘Oh, I don’t want to touch him,’ or ‘I don’t want to dance with her.’

“But two or three lessons into it, it’s so normal for them, they behave with each other very well. They’re very polite with each other – most of the time,” Sweeney added.

At that age, “most of the time” is a big step forward.

For more information about Dancing Classrooms, visit their website here!

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