Dance Education – What is it?

Movement and rhythm, as expressed through dance, have long been the heart and soul of all cultures. A quality physical education program is not a balanced program unless elements of dance are included as integral parts of the curriculum.
 

Because quality educational dance is a forum for collaboration between teachers and students through all learning domains, it is a site for deep learning for everyone.

Teaching dance can be potentially rewarding yet challenging. When students fill space with movement creations that they have developed, their sweat, smiles, and pride convey a job well done!

"Dance is the art of gesture and movement. It transforms images, ideas, and feelings into movement sequences that are personally and socially significant. Dance organizes physical energy within time and space, and may draw upon the power of music, literature, drama, and the visual arts. Dance is a natural means of communication and expression, integrating movement, feeling, and intellect. As a fine art, dance is a balance of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It embraces movement, creation, and performance. Dance demands our personal best. It stretches the limits of our physical ability, of our expressiveness, and of the human spirit. Dance can be powerful, vital, and joyful. People dance for many reasons and in all stages of life. Appreciation of dance provides a context for understanding the world and contributes to a vibrant culture." (http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/dance810/darati.htm)