CONWAY — Grammar School students skipped, double-crossed, pogo-hopped and tap danced their way to thunderous applause Wednesday afternoon during the 14th annual student jump rope show.
The show was put on by 23 fifth- and sixth-grade students in the school’s Jumping Beans jump rope club.
“This was wonderful, probably the best show they’ve ever had,” Fire Chief Robert Baker said after, as the students were congratulated by about 50 parents and residents inside the school’s gymnasium.
Pogo sticks, acrobatics, jump rope crossovers, side-hits and double swings were just a few of the skills shown during Wednesday’s hour-long show.
The choreographed routines were creative and active, performed to upbeat music like the “Peanut Butter Jelly Song” and “Cotton Eyed Joe.”
A few routines told stories, like one titled “dogs out” and another called “march.” Others showcased student talent, such as a segment that featured a flute performance.
Other notable routines included a light saber duel, and another that ended in a human pyramid. Sixth-grader Shane Prusak jumped from the top of the pyramid, landing in a split.
“What I like about it is that each kid does their own thing. Each routine was different,” commented resident June Chamberlain. Another resident, Joe Trudeau said the show was “just like a big circus.” Trudeau’s granddaughter, Patrice Moriarty, is in the jump rope club.
Students began preparing for the annual showcase show last November, choreographing their own routines and practicing jump rope skills three times a week during recess. Union 38 district Superintendent Lynn Carey said Physical Education Teacher Arlene Mikolajczuk gave up her lunch hour to instruct students.
“She helps with technique, and then she says go and be creative; do your thing,” Moriarty said.
Moriarty tap danced in a jump rope duo with student Logan Lancer, who’s also a ballerina.
Mikolajczuk said the show’s purpose is “to make physical education a fun experience, to make it a lifetime activity.” She added, “I’m extremely proud, this group has been extremely creative in choreographing.”
“Research will tell you the more (students) move around, and the more active they are, the more ready they are to learn,” Carey said, noting the importance of physical education as an aspect of learning. “If they experience fun and creativity in physical activity at this age, hopefully they will carry it with them for the rest of their lives.”
“It’s part of a broader initiative to be healthy,” Principal Kristen Gordon said, describing how the show fits into the school’s educational program. “We have many things going on here at our little Grammar School.”
In addition to the jump rope club, Gordon noted an after school running club, which she said “has kids who have run over 100 miles” since the beginning of the school year. The running club’s big event is a 5k fun run scheduled Sunday, May 21.
A second jump rope performance by the Jumping Beans is scheduled Friday at 6 p.m., also in the school’s gymnasium at 24 Fournier Road.
You can reach Andy Castillo
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