High school students two-stepping for academic credit?
That’s the case for 26 Lake Highlands High School students.
The Lake Highlands’ Wranglers is a country-western dance team, the first of its kind in North Texas. Members also receive their fine arts credit, part of the requirement for high school graduation.
In fact, the group’s fame is such that the Richardson Independent School District is preparing a video of its performance for an upcoming convention of health, education, recreation and dance academics. The students also will perform live for the convention’s 8,000 attendees.
Conceived by instructors Catha Black and Mark Pace, the idea was brought before the RISD board two years ago when Black, who runs an entertainment company in Dallas, was repeatedly being asked about the availability of young, country dancers.
“I deal frequently with the Dallas Chamber of Commerce on conventions brought here from all over the world,” says Black, who holds a degree in physical education.
“Many foreigners, who enjoy the Texas mystique, wanted to book country dancers, but there were none available in the area.”
Pace suggested that Lake Highlands form a country dance team patterned after the dancing Wranglers of Texas A&M, where Pace received his physical education degree.
The students attend daily classes and practice twice weekly. They are graded on participation, dance practicals and a test on dance history, which they study in the classroom portion of the course.
The Wranglers recently performed for the student body during Homecoming weekend, and Black says the group is available for bookings in the community. A nominal donation is required.
“Learning new dances is great,” says class participant Adam Goldenberg, who also is student body vice president. “When I get to college, I’ll have a head start on everyone else.”
Many students are taking the class for fun. They say the course makes them feel more comfortable in social settings where country music is played. Others enjoy the performance aspects of the class.
“This class has helped me with coordination,” says senior Sara Gross. “I received my fine arts credit in the ninth grade, so I’m taking this class for fun.”
The Wranglers are a varied lot, and many participate in other extracurricular activities such as cheerleading, band and sports.
“It’s hard,” says Wildcat tight end Jeb Mason, “because I am sometimes here at school from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. practicing football and dance.”
“But it’s worth it. I’ve always enjoyed country dancing, and a lot of students would like to be doing what we’re doing.”
