When she is stressed out, Ashley Griffiths likes to dance.

The Grade 10 Belmont secondary student said she and more than 80 students bared their souls while wearing their dancing shoes at a recent recital in the schoolB次元官网网址檚 newly minted theatre.

B次元官网网址淲hen you are dancing you kind of just block out everything and you just think about yourself and what you are doing as youB次元官网网址檙e dancing,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淪o you donB次元官网网址檛 really focus on anything else, (just) your body and your moves and how youB次元官网网址檙e feeling at that moment.B次元官网网址�

With exams coming and the stresses of being a high school student rising, 15-year-old former Spencer middle schooler turns to the dance.

B次元官网网址淪ome people read, some people take a break, but for me when I dance it kind of relaxes me. It helps me out ... and I donB次元官网网址檛 have to worry about other things,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淏ut you definitely have to prepare yourself physically. You have to be ready emotionally for when you go on stage B次元官网网址� (But) it doesnB次元官网网址檛 matter what other people think, it only matters how you feel.B次元官网网址�

Four classes danced three numbers each in what Griffiths called a celebration of dance in the schoolB次元官网网址檚 300-seat theatre at last SaturdayB次元官网网址檚 recital.

Instructor Lesley Conway, who returned to lead her fifth year of dance at the school, says being part of that program is a big commitment for students. But everyone involved, from those who dance every day to those new to dancing, have been working hard.

B次元官网网址淒ance is one way that really helps students (see) that there is another part of life you can do just because you enjoy it,B次元官网网址� says Conway. B次元官网网址淓specially in school, a lot of school is math and science and they can come to dance and express themselves with movement.B次元官网网址�

The class has been popular, prompting the addition of an extra block next semester. Not only that, it has provided students with a positive environment, promotes the arts, healthy living, being active and having a positive self image says Conway.

B次元官网网址淚 have seen a huge improvement in most of the dancers in the program.B次元官网网址� She says her students worked hard to prepare for the recent show and really focused their efforts this month.

alim@goldstreamgazette.com