Displaying more than a dash of the old razzle-dazzle, students from 17 Sydney region primary schools competed in the finals of the Dancing Classrooms program at the State Sports Centre late last year (above).

Four Year 5 couples from each school were selected to compete in four divisions – salsa, cha cha, waltz and jive.

One class from each school also performed a routine for the audience of family, friends and teachers.

Mortdale Public School was declared the overall winner of the 2007 competition.

The Dancing Classrooms program is part of the Premier’s Sporting Challenge.

Inspired by a New York City program of the same name and the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom, the Dancing Classrooms program is designed to encourage cooperation, mutual respect, teamwork and self-esteem through participation in dance.