Mountain View School District’s Conga Kids Semi-Final Competition, held at Payne School was full of energy, excellent dancing and excitement as the 5th grade dance teams from Baker, Maxson, Miramonte, Monte Vista, Payne, Parkview and Twin Lakes schools competed to represent the District at the Conga Kids Finals at LA Live.
As part of MVSD’s comprehensive Visual and Performing Arts program, Conga Kids provides all 5th graders with 18 weeks of dance lessons during the school year. Students not only learn a variety of dances, they also develop life skills including discipline, respect, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and cooperation, all while having fun. The weekly 50-minute classes are taught by expert teaching artists who also integrate CASEL’s social and emotional learning framework, helping students develop essential tools for a successful life.
Payne School’s auditorium was transformed into a celebratory dance hall with an electric vibe as the crowd cheered on the dancers. Displaying tremendous dance skills and stage presence, all the teams did a fantastic job and the judges had their work cut out for them as they judged the students performing the Merengue, Son Cubano/Salsa, Authentic Jazz, Cumbia, and Hip-Hop.
“Seeing our students participate in programs that enhance their talent for art makes me very happy,” said Leticia McCorkle, Principal of Baker School. “The dedication and creative ability displayed by our students on stage was great."
With two rounds of dances completed, it was evident all of the dancers brought their best to the competition. After the judges scores were tallied there was a tie and it came down to a dance off of all the team captains performing the Merengue.
The District is proud of all the 5th grade dancers who participated in the Conga Kids program and represented their schools and the District so well.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, we are proud of all of you. You all were amazing,” said Cindy Wu, Board Member. “Thank you to the Conga Kids instructors and the parents for supporting our students.”
“Partnering with Conga Kids has been an amazing journey these past several years,” said Dr. Jeff Lagozzino, MVSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. “Our students have really enjoyed learning to dance and look forward to their Conga Kids lessons each week. Tonight’s dance teams were the most energetic we’ve ever had.”
The final scores were tallied and the winners were announced. Taking top honors was the Conga Kids team from Parkview School, Twin Lakes’ team placed 2nd and Maxson’s team placed 3rd.
“I had an amazing time tonight!” said Jelena Lujano a member of Parkview’s winning team. “I’m so excited to go to LA Live and compete. It’s going to be so much fun. I love the Conga Kids program because we get to hang out with each other and learn so many dances“
Parkview’s team will continue to rehearse as they gear up for their performance at LA Live on May 16 where they will compete against other schools to be crowned the Conga Kids Grand Champions. Go Parkview Eagles! Your MVSD family is rooting for you!