The transition from teaching dance in higher education to the secondary school setting can be turbulent. Dance curriculum for secondary students must meet their developmental and psychological needs, while also fitting into an abbreviated class period. Individuals making this transition must be aware of the different goals that a middle or high…

A pilot research project was conducted to address issues related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in dance in higher education. The primary goals were to summarize the impact of HIV/AIDS on dance and dance education, to document the profession's response (research, curricula, programs,…

Simultaneously promoting a safe learning environment that encourages students to express their creative voices while exploring the rudiments of dance technique can be difficult. This article discusses how the author has learned to do it effectively by employing a few simple classroom strategies. To prevent injuries during class, the author offers…

In 2001, North Carolina Dance Theatre, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system joined forces to create a multidimensional, professional development program for dance professionals (teachers and artists) in the public schools called, The Dance Educator Enrichment Program (DEEP). DEEP was designed…

Young dancers, girls most particularly, are subject to subtle and not-so-subtle messages of exploitation based on sex. What are the implications for dance educators who are trying hard to advocate for dance and who are trying to encourage appropriate pedagogical practices? Due to the hegemonic pervasiveness of "objectifying" dancers for…

Explores applications of somatics to school and university curricula, addressing somatic knowledge as content and methodology in dance education, proposing strategies for bringing the body back into dance and dance curricula, exploring cultural diversity issues within dance and somatic education, and concluding that somatic knowledge and practice…

An evaluative study was conducted wherein student choreography in 14 Utah secondary schools was assessed by student teachers for incidence and frequency of sexually objectifying or exploitative movement and thematic development. Data regarding each student work was compared with information provided by student choreographers in a written…

The intersections of dance and sexuality and sexual identity are part of the critical discourse important to teaching dance appreciation and dance history. This essay presents aspects of my teaching practice, informed by current writings in queer studies, dance studies, education, and sociology. Awareness of potential classroom diversity helps…

This article examines the current status of dance education in North Carolina. Key issues impacting dance, including public school laws and policies, the impact of state and national accountability movements, graduation requirements, and health initiatives, are identified and described. Specific events that have shaped the status of dance…

In this article, the author discusses the responsibilities of private sector dance educators to their students, parents and the faculty in middle America. The author believes that dance educators' responsibility to their students requires that they are qualified, caring, and professional. Private sector dance educators have the challenge of…

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive discussion of sexuality and dance education from multiple perspectives including public schools (K-12), private studios, conservatories, and higher education. Among innumerable potential topics emanating from this review of sexuality and dance education in the 21st century, this article focuses on today's…