The manual describes the value and processes of music and dance improvisation with disabled students. The experiential nature of improvisation is said to allow the student to explore choices and alternatives. Teachers are given general guidelines, including to be prepared to try anything, to be positive and enthusiastic, and to give constructive…

The author states her strong belief that through dance, movement, rhythm, and body awareness, a child can explore his feelings and the environment around him. (KC)

This series of articles explores the various ways in which training procedures in both dance and athletics are compatible. Topics include: traditional and adapted dance class structures and materials; the inclusion of dance in the physical education curriculum; and the physical fitness of dancers as compared to athletes. (JN)

Outlines the author's experience as a dancer and choreographer artist-in-residence with third graders at a public elementary school, providing a cultural arts experience to tie in with a theme study of the rain forest. Details the residency and the insights she gained working with students, teachers, and theme. (SR)

Argues that dance education should be a separate discipline from the physical education programs and that the National Dance Association needs to represent dance education. Notes that the "Dance Curricula Guidelines K-12" delineates the common core of knowledge, and comments on inservice education and state certification for dance…

Examines effects of aural, visual, and combined aural/visual conditions on the emotional response to music and dance of musicians and nonmusicians. Indicates no significant differences in perceived artistic tension based on musical background or on experimental conditions. Responses were similar regardless of prior consideration of the existence…

Discusses how to incorporate dance into a music curriculum. Describes the different "levels" and commands to use when teaching dance. Specifies that in third through eighth grade, students are introduced to different types of dance, the history behind the styles, and the choreography. Lists selected recordings and videos for grades K-8. (CMK)

Feedback is one of the most important aspects of improving performance because it corrects, reinforces, and motivates. It can also create bonds and enable students to see that their performance is important. This article defines feedback, presents three important functions of feedback, identifies the four forms of feedback, gives examples of…

In this article, the author talks about Motif Notation, a means of creating, recording, and reflecting on dance experience, and dance making as educational partners in an urban middle school. The author shares partial tales of middle school-aged children engaging in dance making and Motif Notation which illustrate the fact that teens need to…

This article describes the school-wide support behind an arts-infused dance curriculum at the Linwood A+ Elementary School. The "A+" stands for "arts plus academics." Linwood A+ Elementary School is based on this model, an approach to teaching and learning that infuses the arts into the whole curriculum. It is a vision of arts-infused teaching and…

This article explores the art form of dance as a metaphor for the teaching of theology. Employing the work of Maria Harris, the author contends that there are seven elements of dance than can serve as metaphors for teachers of theology: preparation, rhythm, movement, expectancy, response, embodiment, and performance. Each dance element is…

In the past three years, the author has taught yoga classes to students at the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School, in addition to her job as Dance Director. This school already is an open environment; the students are generally interested in the arts and the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts is known for its…

Muslim women in Arabic countries have unique experiences that are shaped in large part by their cultures' beliefs regarding the female body. Mandated behaviors and men's attitudes towards women's role in society have likewise created oppressive situations which have affected women's sense of self. Because many of those experiences are body-based,…

This paper discusses research into the facilitation of academic writing for first year dance students using images, emails and the forum of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Taking place over several weeks in the early part of the academic year and within a core module entitled Personal and Professional Development in the single honours Dance…

In recent years, Problem Based Learning (PBL) has been applied in medical and psychological areas of professional education. The PBL approach requires students to move past traditional choreographic methods toward making dances informed by real-world issues. In PBL, students work cooperatively to solve complex problems. Rather than being presented…