Partner and Volunteer Highlight: Inspira Dance

The positive impact of dance education is highlighted through Alexandria City Public Schools’ (ACPS) partnership with Inspira Dance. As we observe National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, as well as Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Inspira Dance provides an example of how ACPS students benefit through dance education.

Inspira Dance has its roots in ACPS. Instructor Stephanie Metzger explained that she was a Spanish teacher at George Washington Middle School (GW), where she hosted free after-school dance lessons for her students. “I found it had such a positive impact on my students that I wanted to continue to make dance accessible and available to students in public schools, since dance studios are not naturally accessible to all students due to cost, time and location. Embedding it right into the school day or after school has been one of the easiest ways for us to bring the benefits of dance to students,” Metzger shared.

Over the past two years, Inspira Dance has partnered with several schools within the school division, including bilingual Latin Dance classes at Alexandria City High School. It also provides Salsa and Bachata lessons with different cohorts of students at Patrick Henry K-8 School (Patrick Henry) and John Adams Elementary School (John Adams), in addition to an after-school bilingual Latin Dance program at GW. 

“Mastering dance routines and performing them in front of their peers has boosted confidence and enhanced self-esteem, all while exercising at the same time and reaping the physical benefits of movement,” Instructional Specialist for Health, Physical Education and Family Life Education Kristin Donley stated.

During the upcoming school year, middle school students at Patrick Henry will have the opportunity to enroll in a Hip Hop and Latin Dance course as an elective. “We have decided to pilot this with Patrick Henry, as they already have a dedicated dance studio in their building. Inspira Dance will offer an elective course to students in grades six to eight,” Donley explained. Students will be exposed to the top professional dancers in these respective styles, learn about the history and culture of these dances and stage quarterly performances. “We cannot wait to see the impacts of the first middle school dance program in ACPS,” said Metzger.

“At Patrick Henry, we are strengthening our commitment to whole-child development and integrating Inspira Dance into our school community and the transformational impact it promises to bring,” said Patrick Henry Principal Kenard Robinson. “Inspira Dance is more than movement – it is a catalyst for growth across multiple dimensions of a child’s development. As principal, I am deeply inspired by the ways this program aligns with our values and the needs of our students.” 

Principal Robinson further shared what he sees as the profound potential unfolding through this partnership with Inspira Dance:

• Mental and Cognitive Development: Dance instruction, primarily through a structured and nurturing program like Inspira Dance, enhances focus, memory and executive functioning. The creative process of learning choreography, understanding rhythm and interpreting music through movement strengthens neural pathways associated with problem-solving and critical thinking. Students who might struggle in traditional academic settings often find new avenues for success through dance, building confidence and cognitive resilience along the way.
• Social and Emotional Growth: For many of our students, particularly those facing emotional or environmental stressors, dance becomes a safe space to process feelings, release tension and build emotional literacy. Group dance activities nurture empathy, cooperation and communication skills. As students learn to move in harmony, they also learn to listen, support one another and embrace shared goals – essential qualities for strong peer relationships and lifelong social well-being.
• Physical Health and Wellness: Physical activity is foundational to child development and dance offers a joyful, engaging way to stay active. From improving coordination and flexibility to building strength and stamina, Inspira Dance contributes to students' overall physical well-being. It fosters body awareness, encourages healthy habits and counteracts the sedentary patterns that can hinder youth development in today’s digital age.
• A Lasting Legacy: Inspira Dance will also help to create a vibrant school culture – one that celebrates diversity, movement and the arts. Hallways will echo with music, laughter and the sounds of students discovering their voice through motion.

Inspira Dance’s mission is to make the benefits of dance accessible to all students. Metzger explains that only 4% of elementary schools, 6% of middle schools and 15% of high schools offer dance to students across the United States, yet research shows that dance keeps students engaged in school, improves academic performance and overall school culture. “We believe dance has the power to impact students in ways that the traditional classroom doesn’t always reach. By offering dance during the school day, we remove the time barrier for students who have after-school jobs, siblings, or other responsibilities that prevent them from engaging in a dynamic arts education. Additionally, we host the majority of our classes bilingually to remove language barriers, and we fundraise for costumes and dance shoes so that students have all the tools necessary to succeed,” Metzger noted.

Through its programs, Inspira Dance helps to build student confidence through mastery and performance, explore creativity, create friendships and grow artistically. “The majority of our students have never had a dance program experience before, and the growth from the beginning to the end of the year, mentally, socially, emotionally and artistically, is wonderful to see,” added Metzger. She said students shared with her that dance class felt like an "escape" during their school day – a way to dance away their worries and stress. Principal Robinson put it this way, “Inspira Dance creates a stage where every child has the chance to shine.” 

The Alexandria community can join in its support for the work of ACPS’ partner, Inspira Dance, by following the organization on Facebook or Instagram @inspiradanceinc, and through donations to Inspira Dance to help pay for free student programs.