May Day Returns To Grant Bowler Elementary

By ELISE DALLEY

The Progress

Friends and families gathered together at the Logandale Fairgrounds on Friday, May 6 for an important annual observance: the annual May Day Dance. The past two years have been quiet at the Fairgrounds for May Day as t his long-held tradition has been put on ice during the pandemic. But now, after long hours of hard work during their Physical Education classes, students of Grant Bowler Elementary school were excited to show off their dance moves to the crowd again.

May Day has been a tradition as far back as many can remember. Moapa Valley High School alumnus Gaye Nelson said, “I remember doing May Day and braiding the maypole. In my time the dances were performed in the gym during the day. All the families would come and watch and then we would all have a picnic afterwards.”

The dances and fun began at 6 pm last week. The fifth graders kicked off the night by the age-old tradition of braiding the maypole. Ribbons were weaved around the pole by each of the fifth graders, creating a beautiful braid of colors when completed. After the students were finished, Bowler Principal Kelby Robison welcomed the kids’ parents to the floor to join their students for a second go around.

Fifth Grader Evelyn Reid had positive things to say about her May Day dance experience, “I liked it because it was fun!” she said, “We messed up when the parents did it and the pole was tipping over.”
Another fifth grader, Luke Nelson commented, “May Day has always been a fun activity, and my favorite one was definitely the may pole.”

Next on the dance floor was the Early Childhood program. These youngsters danced to the beat of the music and showed off their moves to the crowd.

Next up were the kindergarteners, who performed another beloved tradition, the Parachute Dance. The kids lifted up their parachute high into the air, creating big domes. Twins Emmy and Evelyn Stankosky enjoyed doing the Parachute dance. “It was fun!” they said, “We liked May Day.”

The first graders followed, dressed up in their 50’s style outfits, poodle skirts and all, and danced to the song “Yakity Yak.”

The second graders were next, performing a line dance dressed up like cowgirls and cowboys straight from the wild west.
“This was my first May Day dance because of COVID-19,” said second grader Lizzy Nelson said. “It made me smile. I’m sad I missed the parachute dance when I was in kindergarten so maybe I’ll get to do that when I’m older.”

Fourth graders went next, dressed brightly in spring colors, prepared to do another traditional dance, the Tinikling. This traditional folk dance involves banging two rods on the ground while dancers rhythmically jump in between and outside of the poles.

Fourth grader Matthew Dalley said, “My favorite thing about May Day is being able to watch the other grades do their dances.”

John Nelson, also a fourth grader, had good things to say about May Day as well. “I like the May Day dance because your whole family is there cheering you on.”

The night concluded with the third graders, all jazzed out in 70’s disco-style attire. They showed off their disco moves by dancing to the song, “Stayin Alive.”

Grant Bowler Elementary School Principal Kelby Robison dismissed everyone with the final words, “I really appreciate the hard work the teachers and staff put into this. It’s really exciting to see all the kids getting out and doing this again.”