Lite Feet, dancing in the classroom
A new friend from ROFLCon emailed me this morning about high school kids being suspended for making videos of spontaneous ‘lite feet’ dancing in school. Rather than re-write this as a blog post (end of semester squeeze and all), I’m going to quote my email (nessonblog style) and paste the videos inline. Enjoy!
Hi [so-and-so],
You’ve lead me on a massive digital dig this morning! I haven’t heard that term before but the dances are really familiar. I associate it with Harlem, specifically, because of Chicken Noodle Soup. (Webstar uses “lite feet” in some songs… )
Webstar, Chicken Noodle Soup, 2006Have you seen Jason Fox’s Aunt Jackie? Also Harlem, similar dances and vibes:
This “lite feet” video is fantastic:
A related article you might find useful: “Is the Chicken Noodle Soup dance racist?”
Rather than minstrelry, I think the reference is probably closer to the Carlton Dance:
That vid has 1.8 million views.
I can’t comment on kids being suspended for dancing in the hallways in school without knowing the details of their situations. I love dancing and wish people danced more but there are also some times and places when getting your lite feet on is probably disrupting class.
On the flip, sports, PE, and the arts are being terribly squeezed amid efforts to focus on “core” academics. I’m afraid these well-meaning cuts might actually undermine their educational intent. Students need time during the day to move their bodies, be social, laugh, sing, and sweat. Without time to focus on their creative, physical, and social growth, I suspect that students become frustrated, restless and unfocused. Not an optimal classroom situation.
I heard a relevant report this morning from Fred Thys on WBUR about public schools seeking private funding to keep football programs alive. Here’s a comment from a Groton resident:
“LIPMAN: I think because of the situation that the school system’s in where they didn’t have any hirings last year for teachers, I think you always have to put the education first.
THYS: If voters don’t approve a tax increase this Spring, Groton and Dunstable could lose fine arts, PE, and special ed teachers. On the other hand, if donors come up with the money by July 1st, this fall, there will be football.”
Kids don’t always articulate their needs to adults but their behavior says a lot. Making videos and dancing in the halls look like a pretty clear message. They are asking for respect and space for that positive energy and joy in their schedule.
Can’t help thinking of this movie, too. :)
Kevin
Tags: chickennoodlesoup, dance, dancing, education, harlem, hiphop, lightfeet, litefeet, teenagers, webstar
