“What classes are you taking?”

Usual responses are: “P.E., band, art, science, history …”

Not too often do you hear, “Classical Dance.”

But that actually is one of the most-popular classes at Arts and Tech High School on the Tulalip Campus.

About 30 students were in teacher Josh Roehl’s new class this year.

“It’s neat to see how the kids have grown,” he said.

At the start of the year, the students were uncomfortable even holding each other. Now, they politely ask someone in class to dance, rotate partners with ease, and guys even dance with the teacher.

“There’s too much sexual pressure in white culture on what dance is,” Roehl said. “They don’t pair off, and it’s not exclusive. Each dance is a brand new conversation without talking.”

Roehl, who used to dance competitively, said he helps break the ice by telling the students about some of the blunders he has made.

“I tell them it will be the best or worst class they ever had, depending on what they put into it,” Roehl said.

Watching the students, it’s obvious almost all love the class. Many are focused on Roehl’s footwork as he teaches them the salsa. They learn from each other and give feedback on how to improve the dance. They smile, cheer, clap and give high 5’s when they get it right. When was the last time you saw that in a math class? Even students not in the class like to join in.

Freshman Kalysta Fortier said she took the class to learn leadership skills, but has enjoyed learning to dance.

“I want to take it as many years as I can,” she said.

Another freshman, Chanel Desenberg, said she was a little uncomfortable at first.

“The boys had more hormones than I did,” she said with a smile.

She started the year thinking she wanted to be a singer. Now, she said she might try dancing instead.

“I’ve been told I’m quite good at it, so I’ve been practicing daily,” she said.

Roehl said dancing is as popular as ever, thanks to TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So you think you can dance,” along with popular movies like the “Step Up” series and “Stomp the Yard.”

Along with salsa, other dances the class has learned are the cha cha, swing and foxtrot.

Rail and his students are excited about a competitive ballroom dance team he plans to start next year. It’s already been invited to compete at nationals in Idaho.

Listening to Roehl’s voice commands adds to the fun of the class.

Examples include:

“Ladies, grab that bicep.”

“You’re not letting him lead you.”

“Put up the stop sign, and then push threw the window.”

And, “Ladies you have my permission to run him over” if he doesn’t step aside.

Roehl said the class teaches leadership skills. Students tutor second-graders once a week. It also helps self-confidence. He mentioned one student who was one of shyest he’s ever known, but is now one of the best dancers in class.

“Anybody can do it (dance) if they are willing to learn,” Roehl said. “You get to interact with each other, which is crucial and fun. And it’s work, but you don’t realize it.”