Sixteen years ago, dance teacher Becky Adrian developed a dance program at Mae Hensley Junior High School in Ceres virtually from scratch. Since then, the program has become one of the most popular at the school, attracting an equal number of boys and girls. Ms. Adrian's dance program has been particularly effective in quelling discipline problems among the school's large at-risk student population by developing their self-confidence, teaching them how to interact in social situations, exposing them to the mental and physical challenges of public performance, and giving them an outlet for their creativity. The program includes several special education and hearing-impaired students. Ms. Adrian's students have performed at amusement parks, schools, rest homes, holiday events and street fairs.
1984 California State University - Fresno, B.A.
