Instead of running up and down the field in the early mornings, the boy athletes learn the difference between first and second position in the dance room. Dance teacher Shannon Dunham had the idea around February of last year to create an all male dance athletics class to make up for an open period she didn’t have a class for.

Male athletes were actually pumped for it. There were more than 100 boys who showed interest in joining last year. The counselors worked with those who didn’t have a fine arts credit and allowed them to be in the class. The amount of spots open in the class this year was 35, however there are currently 38 enrolled because of the high interest in the class.

“I love getting to know the younger guys because I don’t get to play with them on Friday nights, so with the class it’s like the gap is filled in,” senior James Johnson said.

The class is for one semester and is held during first period. There are no freshmen football players nor basketball players from any grade because they have athletics first period. There’s a wide variety of sports the boys are in including track, baseball, soccer and mostly football.

Flexibility is highly focused on in the class along with coordination, agility and footwork. They touch on most things others would in a dance class, just with a different approach.

The boys say it also helps them bend their bodies at certain points. Overall, it helps them improve in their individual sports as well.

“A lot of them might of never even thought to dance in their entire life,” Dunham said.

The boys get tested over the materials they’ve learned. Throughout the semester, Dunham likes to check in on the them by letting them give feedback. They can tell what they like, dislike or even how they feel about something. Most of all the feedback Dunham receives is positive, and she really enjoys teaching the class.

“I like it … it’s a completely different energy and I like that … it’s just a different vibe,” Dunham said. “Then since it’s first period, they are super energetic and ready to go. I look forward to it everyday.”

The class will be offered next year but Dunham is going to cap the number of boys at 30.