HARVARD — The last day of school was warm, sunny and exciting for students at the elementary school, who fanned out onto the field for a rousing outdoor send-off orchestrated by HES physical education teacher Barbi Kelley.
She called it a luau, a theme perpetuated by island music, colorful outfits and a general atmosphere of fun and frolic. The grassy field was adorned with all the right stuff: Leis, grass skirts, fancy flip-flops, even a couple of pink flamingoes.
On the natural side were brilliant sunshine, fluffy clouds, blue skies, a gentle breeze and darting dragonflies. This day was about as good as it gets, weather-wise, and the mood was upbeat all the way.
This was also an opportunity for kids to meet and greet the teachers they’ll have next year, Kelley explained.
But now it was all about movement, from karate strokes to swim strokes to dance moves.
The pace picked up. Bright prints mingled with bright smiles as students and staff dancercized to a choreographed program. Kelley led from the stage, flanked by loudspeakers and with a paper orchid in her hair.
With everybody in the “mood to move,” Kelley switched musical styles. “We’re going to do seven songs,” she announced. Rap tunes, country classics such as “Cotton-Eyed Joe” and as a wrap, the all-time let’s-get-going favorite: “YMCA” by the Village People.
The beat was energizing and aerobics-friendly. And everybody was in synch as the teacher called out the moves. “Hip roll, shoulder roll, up on your toes.”
With her audience’s groove going, Kelley segued to a criss-cross knee motion that resembled the 1920s dance called the Charleston. Then it was time to jump, turn and “get funky” with some aerobically correct rap tunes. “Do what the music says!” she called out. “Left foot, right foot, slide, cha-cha!”
Now they were hopping, stomping in an energetic line-dance. “Take it back now, y’all!”
The twist was next. “How low can you go?” she shouted.
As an added treat, Kelly had arranged a visit from two special guests: Coach Dave Smith, of the Worcester Tornadoes, a professional baseball team, and the team mascot, Twister.
The mascot looks like a life-size, cartoon cousin of Clifford the Big Red Dog only he’s white and orange, with a baseball cap. Although everybody knew the towering “dog” dancing in the crowd was really a person in costume, it was fun to pretend.
