How dance can teach kids important life skills | A Current Affair

It may not be strictly ballroom, but these kids can dance, and they love it. Time away from the books spent learning tango, slow foxtrot, even the cha-cha. And along the way, they're learning important life lessons. I'm pretty nervous for it, because I've never danced in front of a lot of people before. He's a good dancer, considering he's a boy and he doesn't dance. Nine-year-old Talia and Joshua are mastering the foxtrot. It's part of the school curriculum at more than 1,000 schools across Australia. I was going to wear a tie, but then I found out in ballroom dancing you don't really wear ties. Students in years three to six learn ballroom and other sports like gymnastics and athletics through the Zing Active program. Along with the foxtrot, this term the youngsters are conquering the cha-cha-cha. I would never normally perform dancing, because I've got lots of other extracurricular sports like running and stuff. But because the school lets us do dancing, I can do dancing as well. Talia, on the other hand, is a seasoned pro. I'm a soloist. I do like ten solos. I've got 98 trophies, just counting trophies. The year three couple, along with years four, five and six at St Angela's Primary School in Sydney's Hills District, are all preparing for the Zing Interschool Challenge, where more than 1,000 students from across 15 schools compete in front of 3,500 spectators. Quite a lot of it is just smiling and just, you know, being confident. And I would say, like, don't make it so obvious that you're thinking about the moves in your head. Just have fun. Year six students Eloise and Isaac are former champions, taking out the tango in year four. How did you feel when you were partnered up with Eloise? I felt kind of nervous, because I didn't know her expectations in dancing. But you've exceeded those expectations, I bet. He's really good. He works really well. And we give each other feedback in the dances sometimes, which is good. Zing Active's dance program is one of the most comprehensive dance offerings to primary schools. It's all about being positive in your body, positive in yourself, not worrying about what everyone else is saying or doing. Former Australian ballroom champion Chris Milburn and business partner Maria Russo founded the company 25 years ago. We've had schools say to us, Zing Day, they will get 100% turn-up rate to school. Nobody's sick on a Zing Day. St Angela's is in its 25th year of Zing. Some of the children, when they first come, are a little bit nervous, but their skill and expertise of the instructors is so good. Before long, the children are very much looking forward to the day. Leah Nettleton is school principal, where Zing is part of the PDHPE program. They're learning to collaborate, cooperate. They're also learning to take risks, safe risks, because they've got expert instructors here and the support of their peers. It's the night of the big event, and the ballroom is heaving with excitement. The first event of the evening, Year 3 Foxtrot. Any nerves? A little bit, but once I've danced, my nerves will be gone. Talia and Joshua are in position, happy faces on. No bogo pogo here. The competition is fierce. Former ballroom and Latin world champion Paul Green is judging. If they're smiling, enjoying themselves, having a great time, that's what dancing's about. Can you say some future champions here? Oh yeah, I can actually. There's a few people sparkling out there, you know. It's actually very fun and exciting. I enjoyed dancing with my girl, Biffy. The results are in. In first place, couple number 85, Talia and Joshua. How do you feel? Very amazed at what we did. I could not believe that we had won. It's a proud moment for Talia's mum, Sarah. She does it all on her own. She's highly determined and whatever she sets her mind to, she goes for it. And they won. They won. Go St Angeles, yes. In the Year 6 category, Eloise and Isaac. With their toes pointed and their arms in ballroom hold, are excited to finally hit the floor. A couple already winners in Isaac's mum, Catherine's eyes. It's not just for girls, it's nice to see the boys really get involved. So, he even wanted to match his outfit with his partner as well, so that was something he actually instigated. Even though it's a competition, it's good to have lots of fun. I didn't want to mess up on live TV as well. Aren't they terrific? Talk about tripping the light. Fantastic. Some very nice moves.