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The mirrors at Parkview Village Elementary Expressive Arts Magnet School in High Point are reflecting more than just dancers.
They reflect gratitude.

The mirrors were a Valentine’s Day gift from Robert Phipps, a senior at High Point Central High School.

Now the more than 380 students at the arts magnet school can watch their movements and development when they go to Jennifer Braswell’s dance class at least once a week.

“When the students came to dance class the day after the mirrors were set up, they were awestruck and excited,” Braswell said. “They loved seeing themselves doing their creative movements.”

“The mirrors make it more fun because you can see yourself,” third-grader Symone Williams said.

“If we dance facing the mirror, Mrs. Braswell can see what we are doing in front and back,” said fifth- grader Gregory Benton.
Phipps found out about Parkview’s need when he was deciding on a project for his Eagle Scout badge . Phipps, a member of Troop 23 at Community Bible Church, thought the project sounded like something he’d like to do.

Before contacting the scouts, Braswell called a shop class at a local high school and a department head at a local community college.

She contacted Brinson Frixe, who years ago designed and installed dance mirrors at UNCG in Studio 322. Frixe told her he would be glad to give his plans to someone else to build but at almost 80 years old, he didn’t want to take on the project himself.

Braswell was delighted at Phipps’ offer to help.

Phipps, with donations from friends and family, tackled the project. Beeson Hardware donated $200 worth of materials to use on the frames for the mirrors. Each of the five mirrors would be on wheels to be moved more easily. The mirrors came from Furniture City Glass and Mirror Company and were delivered to the school.

Phipps and a friend took the stands to Parkview in a trailer and a pickup truck. He and his father glued the mirrors to the frames and added the top support.

His project has been approved by the Eagle Scout Reviewing Board. He will receive his award in a ceremony at his church Immaculate Heart of Mary in the spring.

This is Braswell’s second year at Parkview. She graduated from UNCG with a bachelor of fine arts in dance with a teaching license.

She understands how the children feel about dancing. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old with experience in tap, jazz, and ballet.

“Most of these children would not be exposed to this type of dancing if they couldn’t take it at school,” Braswell said.
Parkview is the only elementary school in High Point with a dance program.

Braswell integrates the dance program with other subjects.
When the classes study fractions, she uses body parts in dancing to reinforce those concepts. Sequencing is another skill that can also be taught through dance.

“I like to learn new things and be educated,” Gregory, the fifth-grader, said. “It is fun to learn new dances. I like hip-hop and jazz.”

The arts are used in daily schedules and lessons. Teaching is a collaborative effort between classroom teachers, cultural arts specialists and the physical education specialist.

“Dance helps teach self-discipline, motor skills, and balance,” Braswell said. “Gross and fine motor skills also improve. We do creative movement incorporating ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap, and contemporary. Our fourth- and fifth-graders even do a unit on ballroom dancing.”

“Dance is fun and I dance at home,” said Kalaya Wesley, a fourth-grader. “The mirrors make it easier to see if you are doing well.”

Fifth-grader Allen Lloyd echoed her sentiments: “I like all kinds of dance and the mirrors help me dance better.”

Contact Kathy Johnson at mjohnson2@triad.rr.com