Mirror visual feedback increases neural activity, enhances performance, and induces neuroplasticity; however, mixed results have been observed during the learning of motor skills. While mirrors are commonplace in Western dance education, further research is needed to determine how mirrors are used when learning dance phrases. This study measured…

Elin Lobel has been teaching dance to physical education and dance education majors since 1994. This particular course has been taught in both a large state university in the Midwest and in a large metropolitan university on the east coast. She focuses on teaching dance forms that allow the learners to appreciate their moving bodies, and their…

The aim of this paper is to present the design and evaluate the impact of a Laban Notation-based method for Teaching Dance (LANTD) on novice dancers' performance, in the case of Greek traditional dance. In this research, traditional dance is conceived in its "second existence" as a kind of presentational activity performed outside its…

Seven suggestions for interesting, effective dance instruction in elementary school are presented: (1) don't call it dance; (2) begin gradually; (3) start with a cooperative class; (4) use props; (5) use vigorous movements; (6) avoid "dance to the music"; and (7) progress from movement to imagery. (MJB)

A comprehensive model for organizing different approaches used in presenting dance movements focuses on the essential content of movement for elementary school children and examines the development of dance for young children from functional movement to more artistic experiences. (JN)

Argues that children can dance before they can talk and discusses how teachers can encourage this innate talent. (MP)

This article offers a specific example of the benefits that might result from integrating scientific principles into the daily practice of dance training. Using the mastery of turnout as our focus, we 1. describe the anatomy of turnout in terms familiar to the dance artist, 2. explore conditioning and imagery work designed to improve the use of…

The importance of learning new movement skills is shown in relation to learning folk dances. Folk dancing not only improves physical skills, but also results in an understanding and appreciation of the richness of other cultures. (JN)

The Orff Schulwerk Approach is an ordered framework in which children create speech, movement, and music as part of their daily learning processes. The approach entails movement training and movement forms, improvisation, dance, and music and language play. (JN)

Notes that aesthetic movement is a thoughtful expression of some of the child's deepest intellectual intentions. Presents practical classroom activities for preschool settings that offer children opportunities to engage in aesthetic movement that will develop their intelligences, connections across various "knowledge domains," ability to…

This book is written for the physical education teacher at the elementary school level. In its ten chapters the following topics are covered: (1) an historical and philosophical examination of physical education in the American schools; (2) changes and new goals in the field of physical education; (3) concepts of learning and development in the…

Precis are presented of the meetings, workshops, and seminars at the 1983 Conference on Elementary and Middle School Physical Education. Papers were presented on teacher burnout, physical fitness testing, teaching methods and learning processes, and curriculum development. Presentations included suggestions for adapting physical education for…