By Yorkship Healthy Lion reporters | Healthy Lion fifth-grade reporters didn’t know their interview with Camden native and retired teacher Mr. Benjamin White would end with them up on their feet—dancing.
Mr. White taught math at Hatch Middle School in Camden for 38 years. He also taught dance for Hatch’s after-school program for many years. Now retired as a math teacher, he gives dance and choreography lessons for several community groups.
He said he was inspired by his mother to pursue dancing because she encouraged him to follow his passion.
“The most challenging part of teaching dance is working with someone who lacks confidence,” said Mr. White. “The most rewarding part of teaching dance is watching former students go on to have great careers.”
Some of Mr. White’s students have performed on Broadway in The Lion King, Hamilton, and the revival of The Wiz.
“I feel fantastic and proud when I see my students go on to perform and do great things,” he said.
Taking a group dance class is good for your physical health as a form of exercise, and research has also shown benefits for your motivation, social skills, and overall mood, says the National Institutes of Health website.
“Dance relates to the arts because everything flows through dance. Dance can connect everything and everyone together,” said Mr. White. “Dance is a great way to connect with other people because usually when you dance, you have a partner.”
The arts and dancing can also be good for your emotional and mental health. “Dancers must really think when they are dancing to remember their steps. Dancing helps you focus and makes a lot of people happy. And physical dance makes you stronger and more flexible,” said Mr. White.
Some kids may be hesitant to try the art of dance because they may think they aren’t good at dancing. “You should try a lot of forms of dance until you find the one you really enjoy,” Mr. White said. “There are many styles of dance, and you are bound to find the style you like.”
Healthy Lion reporter Khamoni Davis-Victor asked Mr. White, “Do you think you could show us some dance moves?”
Mr. White told all the reporters to get up on their feet, and the interview ended with the reporters dancing.
Illustration by Rodrigo, 5th grade, Yorkship, 2025-25.
