A Thomas County Schools Fine Arts program dedicated to teaching students about physical movement as a form of artistic expression is growing up and expanding to a new location.

Thomas County Middle School has had a Dance program for the past two years. Now, the program has expanded to Thomas County Central High School. For two periods a day, dance instruction will be given in the school’s new dance studio (built with ESPLOST funds over the summer).

“I am so excited to be a member of Thomas County Central High School and cannot wait to see this program grow,” instructor Shelby Mitchell, who also works with the TCMS program, said. “I've always wanted to teach dance because I truly am passionate about it. I feel that this is where God has called me at this point in my life.”

Mitchell, involved in dance since age 2, first made her way onto the studio floor with Forgay Dance Academy (now Off BroadStreet Centre for the Dance Arts) in Cairo. She later transferred to South Georgia Ballet Conservatory to further her ballet training. She was a member of the Valdosta State University Red Hots (VSU’s competitive dance team), and worked for the National Dance Alliance as an instructor to middle and high school dance teams from across the southeast region. Her areas of study include ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. 

“Dance has always been my happy place,” Mitchell said. “I have always found a sincere joy from dance. Whether it was during class, or just performing, it has been something that I've continuously had a strong passion for throughout my life. Dance has been a saving grace for me and I hope that students are able to see my passion for dance during my instruction.”

The instructor loves that she now gets to follow her students to the high school level.

“I'm a firm believer in consistency and, especially in a Fine Arts field such as dance, it is very beneficial for students to have consistent instruction,” Mitchell said. “This allows me, as their instructor, to meet their technical needs since I've worked with them and seen their progress as a dancer in class. I'm hoping that because I have been with them throughout middle school, I will be able to help them achieve their full potential, especially if dance is something they want to continue after high school and maybe even pursue as a career.”

TCMS students who followed Mitchell to TCCHS are also glad to have her again.

“I want to be involved in this program because of the teacher’s patience and understanding,” student Alyssa Godwin, now in her third year of dance, said.

New students already like Mitchell’s style of teaching.

“This course was actually chosen for me,” newbie Kaliah James said. “I am brand new to this class and am so glad I was placed in it. Ms. Mitchell is an amazing teacher.”

The high school curriculum “is developed as a bridge for middle to high school dance students,” according to Mitchell’s course description.

The program provides a basic foundation of both ballet and jazz techniques.  Students also learn terminology and about strength and conditioning to improve their overall physical health. Because many students have had no form of dance training, Mitchell starts with the basics of ballet. Then, the class transitions into a more upbeat jazz style.

“I push ballet terminology to the fullest,” she said. “Students are learning the proper ballet terms and how those terms connect with the movements and steps performed with their bodies.” 

Students will work on improving their technique through instructor feedback, class demonstrations, and in-class performances of a variety of skills.

“I hope that students learn to find the joy and love that I have for dance, while also gaining physical well-being and self-discipline from a form of art,” Mitchell said.

Godwin said she’s already seen improvement in her dancing and that of her classmates. She looks forward to learning more this year.

“I hope to gain more knowledge about jazz and ballet in this program,” Godwin said. “I’ve already learned a few things about both from previously being in the program. I am truly enjoying this class and I’m looking forward to learning more.”

James, who has no previous experience, also looks forward to learning more about dance.

“This class is full of excitement and energy,” she said. “It is down pat one of my favorite classes. I love it. I look forward to this class and everything I am going to learn.”