WASHINGTON — More than 170 D.C. Public School students hit the floor at Capital One Arena this week as part of a first-of-its-kind dance mentorship program with the Washington Wizards.

The season-long program pairs Wizards dancers with students from 10 DCPS schools, offering professional guidance, one-on-one mentoring, and the chance to perform during halftime at an NBA game — an opportunity many students say they never imagined.

“It’s still hard to find words,” said Monroe Johnson, a student performer who admitted to some nerves before stepping out. “Sometimes when I dance, I don’t look at the people, I just look somewhere else.”

For others, like middle school dancer Reniya Cooper, the excitement overshadowed any anxiety.

“I’m very excited. I get a chance to perform in front of everyb

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