Middle school girls who want to learn math have a new option thanks to a nationally recognized dance course coming to Bakersfield.

The SHINE approach teaches sixth through eighth grade girls complicated equations through dance. The Kern Dance Alliance will be hosting the after school classes starting in April, and president Andrea Hansen thinks connecting movement to mathematical concepts is a great way to build confidence. Hansen also says girls who have never danced before are welcome in class.

Bakersfield beat out San Francisco and Los Angeles to become the first city on the west coast to host the SHINE program. Hansen added the program has helped inspire girls to take up careers usually held by men.

Kelli Forsch