By Katie Vasquez
A pair of Cristo Rey Brooklyn High school juniors had a spring in their step when Currents News entered the classroom, but they weren’t in a dance class.
Two students and their teacher were rehearsing for an upcoming competition, one that they say is building a bond that is enriching their school experience.
“You know to go around the school and say, ‘I won,’” explains student Jasmyn “Jazzy” Heslop.
“We just have a really good shot at beating the other teams,” adds classmate Sanovia Williams.
They are among 21 students and nine faculty who will bust out their best moves at the high school’s upcoming “Dancing With the Teachers” show.
Christo Rey’s Principal, Deanna Philippe, says the event started in 2017 as a fundraiser.
“It was a two fold idea,” she says. “One, to make sure that every 100% of the seniors go to the prom. And two: just to create a little bit more joy in the community.”
The competition took a break during the pandemic, but resumed its rhythm and flow in 2023. This time juniors were allowed to join the seniors in the activity.
“We’re very competitive, like a lot of the students here,” Heslop tells Currents News. They love the rivalries and stuff like that.”
“I’m not sure how else to put it,” Williams admits. “I just feel like we have it in the bag.”
While the teams are competing for a trophy and bragging rights, the biggest reward from this competition is the bond it builds between the teachers and students.
“This time it’s something that I can teach them and I can give them,” Heslop says about being able to dance with educators in the school.
“It just reminds you that you always have so much to learn from the students, which I think is very important for every teacher to remember,” teacher Brooke Matejka tells Currents News.
It’s allowing the dance partners to find their rhythm together on the dance floor, and on the sidelines.
“One of my favorite pastimes was teaching Ms. Matejka how to twerk, it was so fun,” says Heslop of the dancing experience.
“I don’t have a dance background at all,” explains Matejka of working with her students. “So [I’m] just learning some more basics about Hip Hop, and I’ve gotten a lot of fun music from them as well.”
“With Miss Matejka, it was like an instant click,” recalls Williams. “So I’m glad I got to form that relationship with her, as well as Jazzy.”
This dynamic trio knows they are going put their best foot forward on March 21, because in their minds, they’ve already won.
You still have a chance to buy tickets and see the competition in person.
Go to cristoreybrooklyn.org, and the link to purchase tickets is on the homepage.