Special needs students take prom dance, etiquette lessons

Renowned dance instructor Susan McCrispin came to the school Wednesday for the second year in a row to coach Charlene Sandford’s developmental class on prom etiquette.

A group of Bob Jones High School students got the experience of a lifetime when they were given personalized prom lessons.

Renowned dance instructor Susan McCrispin came to the school Wednesday for the second year in a row to coach Charlene Sandford’s developmental class on prom etiquette.

“Today was a really good day,” Sandford said. “We worked on assertiveness and communication. We taught them how to talk to and approach dates and how to compliment each other. All these things are important and some take it for granted, but these were life lessons for our students.”

Students from Shannon Bentley’s education classes posed as dates and dance partners with Sandford’s students. This is the second year the faculty has put together an event like this and Sandford said it would become a regular function.

“Susan was more than excited to come back and help us out,” Sandford said. “This type of class really means a lot to the students and they thoroughly enjoy the experience. Prom last year turned out to be a major success for them.”

McCrispin taught the students freestyle social dancing. She has been a dance instructor for 20 years.

“We should all participate and lend our special talents in helping in any we can,” McCrispin said. “I remembered some of them from last year and a couple were very reserved. This year, they actually came out of their shells and danced. I really loved that.”

McCrispin said she always emphasizes positivity and to take their time when doing anything.

Sandford’s students will show their dancing skills at prom this Saturday, March 31 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

“This helps them feel important and gives them another level of formality they might not have had otherwise,” Sandford said.