Although it may have been gloomy outside, Woodson Kindergarten Center was beaming with energy Friday morning.

Elementary school principals from Sumner, Neveln and Southgate competed against each other in a dance off at Woodson to start the school day.

“It’s a great way for [students] to connect and meet their future principals,” Woodson Elementary School Principal Jessica Cabeen said.

Sumner’s Sheila Berger, Southgate’s Edwina Harder and Neveln’s Dewey Schara faced off in the competition to the song, “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” The judges were Superintendent David Krenz, APS Director of Special Services Sheryl Willrodt, and Officer Danny Ruroden; they determined which contestant received the most applause in order to select the winner. Schara won the dance off.

Students and teachers joined in the dance party as well.

“[They all] really enjoy being active and building community,” Cabeen said.

While the principals may not typically start their morning with a dance party, this wasn’t a new occurrence for the kindergarteners. For about two months, students at Woodson have grooved and jammed to a couple songs before class. Teacher Chris Kasak is excited with how her students have connected through dancing. In her classroom Friday morning, all of her students were already dancing before they went outside. While the students danced, they shouted out that the dancing made them feel “happy,” “silly” and “special.”

“We get the kids feeling confident and good about themselves,” Kasak said.

Kasak appreciates this new opportunity for students to grow and explore a new aspect of themselves.

“I see kids that have issues come to school and be able to express themselves and grow,” she said. “They might have a hard time finding their spot in the classroom, but they lead out on the playground.”

For Cabeen, her next goal is to get Ellen Degeneres to visit Woodson and dance with them, although there are “no bites yet.”