Skidmore professor’s short dance videos for kids get national attention

We’ve heard plenty of reports about the mental and emotional tolls the pandemic has impacted young children. There’s less opportunities for social interaction or physical activity.

So how do you help kids cope with all that?

An innovative program that started at Skidmore College – and has been picked up by PBS – suggests one step at a time. It’s called "Dance to Success".

The program consists of 3-5 minute streaming movement and dance videos for teachers to stream in their classroom and use with the kids during the day.

Sarah DiPasquale, Skidmore Dance Department chair, says she got the idea about five years ago. That’s when one afternoon, her young daughter came home – sad that all she did in school that day was sit.

The former professional dancer and doctor of physical therapy drew on her past experiences to create the program.

While the program gets kids up and moving, some serious research went into it.

Learn more about how the program was developed, and how to get it in your classroom, by watching the video of Jerry Gretzinger’s story.

MORE: ‘Dance to Success’ on YouTube | More ‘Dance to Success’ programs | Dance to Success