LACA calls on pupils to Get Dancing as part of National School Meals Week

The Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) is encouraging pupils and students to Get Dancing on the Wednesday of National School Meals Week (NSMW). LACA has created an online video that shows youth dance teacher, Hannah Bayston, demonstrating a dance routine in easy stages for pupils and students to learn. The idea is to encourage young people to dance as a way of taking regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Sandra Russell, Chair of LACA, said, "We have included an assembly for teachers so that they can build in the dance video to a whole school day. The music is copyright free so it can be played without cost as often as required and I hope that dancing will build up people's appetites for a delicious, healthy school meal".

Hannah Bayston, youth dance teacher, added, "Dancing is a great way to exercise because it is so much fun and has lots of other benefits. It can help us meet other people and it gives you excellent poise and more confidence. The dance routine is split down into simple stages so you can practice and build it up over time. You can also add in your own moves or make other ones with a group of friends. I am delighted with the way the video has come out and I hope it will inspire lots of young people all over the country".

The Food in Schools Team in the London Borough of Redbridge are really looking forward to Get Dancing Day as they have organised an extra special event for one of their schools. Manford Primary School will be running a full day dance workshop with professional hip hop dancer, Christina Ibironke from Blue Boy entertainment.

Christina Ibironke, Hip Hop Dancer from Dancestreet said "I am delighted to get involved with National School Meals Week as I think it is vital that children and young people understand the importance of exercise whilst eating a healthy and balanced diet. My school dance workshops are fun for children of all ages and a great way to demonstrate that exercise doesn't have to be a chore. I am sure the pupils at Manford School will have a
fantastic day and I look forward to working with them".