The most successful social and emotional learning (SEL) programs use active forms of learning to teach students, and evidence suggests that dance outpaces other forms of physical activity and arts learning when it comes to improving SEL outcomes.
Thriving Minds After School program at Daniel Webster Elementary School is taking it to the next level with Dance Enrichment Instructor, Daunte Borner. Mr. Borner holds a Master in Fine Arts Degree from Texas Woman’s University and serves as head choreographer and movement consultant for Pogue Entertainment. Borner was on “Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance” and has been a featured dancer for the Dr. Martin Luther King Tribute performance presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
For the last two years, he has been an integral part of creating a socially and emotionally safe culture on campus through dance. Borner, affectionately known as “Mr. Cheesy,” has choreographed culturally responsive dance projects for family engagement events that challenged the students as well as wowed audiences. The students enjoy fun and interactive Dance Party Brain Breaks with Mr. Cheesy every Monday and Friday. Borner has also integrated social and emotional learning strategies into his dance class with activities like Dancing the Mood Meter and Ballet Breathing. Daniel Webster is proud to have Mr. Cheesy apart of their team.
