The “Kabuki Dancers,” a performing arts group from Acadiana, visited Moss Bluff Elementary Tuesday to share their message of anti-bullying called “Drop the BEAT” (Bullying Ends After Talking).

The performance included break-dancing, poetry, percussion and music to teach pre-K through fifth grade students the necessity of treating others with dignity.

Terrance Morgan, cofounder and dancer, said, “We always say, ‘Our programs with the dance is awesome, but it’s the lessons as you can probably see is way more impactful.’”

The dancers used breakdancing skits to demonstrate how to stand up for friends, offer forgiveness and use skills like self-reflection in effort to develop a more positive and inclusive school culture. Morgan said the dancers originally started as a dance crew but found greater value in investing in students because, “The youth is our future, number one.”

Dani O’Quinn, school counselor, said she was instantly attracted to the unique platform Kabuki Dancer utilizes to teach children. They do not simply tell students, “Don’t bully,” but instead they give students “the tools to help them resist bully and feel good about themselves,” she said.

Students were invited to take the stage and share their own experiences with bullying. As students shared their struggles with weight, glasses, ADHD and Autism, Morgan challenged students to use their differences as an advantage. “Those situations are uniquely yours. In fact, everyone has their own gift and talent.”

Collin Galyean, dancer and percussionist, frequently used his talents to remind students that bullying isn’t just isolated to schools or playgrounds but online as well. He encouraged students to not be so locked into media that they forget to look up, notice their peers and be available to help in times of trouble.

“We need to keep our eyes and ears wide open. Use your eyes balls. If their (a peer) eye balls are different, you know that they need you.”