Lessons Learned from a Dance | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Local students participate in nationwide event

    On Thursday, May 3, students across the country celebrated the one-year anniversary of the "Let's Move! Flash Workout," with the support of 16-time Grammy Award winner, Beyonce, and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF).

    Students from over 600 schools across the United States, including P.S. Jones Middle School in Washington, took part in the first anniversary commemorating last year's event where children across the globe were moving and dancing to Beyonce's workout routine in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative to combat childhood obesity.

    The eighth graders at P.S. Jones Middle School had fun preparing for and participating in the workout, but they know there is a bigger picture. For Jazsmin Spencer, it's simple. "Everyone needs to stay in shape and have a healthier lifestyle," according to the eighth grader. "You'll live longer." The key for many teens is finding that fun way to exercise that they enjoy.

    First Lady Michelle Obama agreed. "But you don't only have to dance in a flash mob to get moving. Whether it's hula hooping, playing sports or just going for a walk, all kids can find a way to be active for 60 minutes a day and eat nutritious, delicious food so they grow up healthy and strong."

   Although hesitant at first, Rhykeem Powell and many of the other eighth grade boys were even willing to give dancing a chance as exercise. "Guys might rather skateboard, ride bikes or play soccer, but they should give this a chance," he explained. "They would have fun if they tried it."

    Students at P.S. Jones Middle School rehearsed for the event in the weeks prior through physical education class. Last year, Beyonce debuted "Move Your Body," for the Let's Move! Flash Workout event. The song and music video instructed a pre-choreographed dance routine to be performed by the thousands of school children on May 3rd, at 1:42 EDT, simultaneously.

    The nationwide event was held on an identical date and time as last year. Elementary through high school students and other supporting organizations, professional athletes, celebrities and politicians, simultaneously danced to Beyonce's "Move Your Body" 4-minute exercise and dance routine.
(Left to right) Chris Norfleet and Justin White set the pace for their row as the P.S. Jones Middle School participants begin the dance routine. Beaufort County Now is not responsible for the quality of this picture.
Although he knows the moves, Zach Ambrose (center) keeps an eye on the big screen.
Style McKissick, Jada Pinkett, Takiya Smith and Dasia Wright were not about to let the boys come out on top! Beaufort County Now is not responsible for the quality of this picture.

    Call/email if you have questions.

    Sarah Hodges
    Public Information Officer
    Beaufort County Schools
      252.946.6593 office
      252.402.5834 cell
      shodges@beaufort.k12.nc.us e-mailoto)