A transformative dance mentorship pairs Washington Wizards dancers with D.C. students, pushing them beyond comfort zones on an NBA stage.
WASHINGTON — More than 170 D.C. Public School students hit the floor at Capital One Arena this week as part of a first-of-its-kind dance mentorship program with the Washington Wizards.
The season-long program pairs Wizards dancers with students from 10 DCPS schools, offering professional guidance, one-on-one mentoring, and the chance to perform during halftime at an NBA game — an opportunity many students say they never imagined.
“It’s still hard to find words,” said Monroe Johnson, a student performer who admitted to some nerves before stepping out. “Sometimes when I dance, I don’t look at the people, I just look somewhere else.”
For others, like middle school dancer Reniya Cooper, the excitement overshadowed any anxiety.
“I’m very excited. I get a chance to perform in front of everybody, and I feel very confident,” Cooper said. “My dance teacher motivates me to perform and makes me have the confidence that I have.”
Dunbar High School dance teacher Jessica Potts said the program is pushing students outside their comfort zones and giving them access to new opportunities.
“I’m excited for them to come out of their comfort zone, give it their all and lay it on the floor,” Potts said. “Being that Dunbar is such a historic Black high school, I want them to experience the different opportunities the district has to offer.”
Students spent weeks practicing and working closely with Wizards dancers, who visited schools to help teach choreography and build confidence.
“They were very helpful,” Johnson said.
Cooper agreed: “They make sure we understand, and they take the time for us to understand.”
Potts said the mentorship not only improves skills but also broadens students’ perspectives on the possibilities within dance.
“It widens their perspective of what dance is and what dance could be,” she said. “I think it pushes them to go to the next level.”
For Cooper, the experience moves her a step closer to her dream of attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts. After the halftime performance, she was beaming.
“It feels very good,” she said.
Students say they’re already looking forward to the next chance to perform — whether on a school stage or back under the bright lights of Capital One Arena.