Dancing with Students began in 2005 at the Gesu School in Philadelphia.
It started with two classes of fifth graders.
At the end of their first ten weeks of classes the children were asked ‘What did you learn?’ A ten-year-old boy answered, “Respect for Women;” a ten-year-old girl answered, “I have more confidence,” and another ten-year-old girl answered, “I know how to waltz now.”
With answers like these, Susan Martinelli Shea, president and founder knew she was hooked and Dancing with the Students began.
Liz Martinelli and Sue Martinelli Shea enjoy celebrating at the Dancing With Students event. (Photo by Maggie Corcoran)
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Liz Martinelli and Sue Martinelli Shea enjoy celebrating at the Dancing With Students event. (Photo by Maggie Corcoran)
Dancing with Students developed into a 501(C)3 private foundation offering ballroom dance instruction to students K-12 in various schools in Philadelphia, Lexington, Kentucky and Los Angeles, California.
Dancers enjoy a dance at the 20th Anniversary Dancing with the Students celebration. (Photo by Maggie Corcoran)
Sahron Samuels, Bryan Carter, President of Gesu School, and Ernie Ross enjoy celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Dancing with the students. (Photo by Maggie Corcoran)
Dancing with Students teaches ballroom dancing in over 30 schools in underserved areas.
Fast forward 20 years later to 2025 and Sue Shea has just hosted a 20 year old anniversary party at Gesu School in Philadelphia.
Paula Solomon chats with Joan Carter at the Gesu Dancing With The Students Event. (Photo by Maggie Corcoran)
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Paula Solomon chats with Joan Carter at the Gesu Dancing With The Students Event. (Photo by Maggie Corcoran)
Things progressed and gotten better transforming students lives has occurred.
The 20th Anniversary celebratory evening included performances by former students, a delicious dinner and even dance lessons and as Sue Martinelli Shea said “Whatever we taught you, we got so much more back.”