Dance in the physical education program allows students to express themselves while keeping fit. Aerobics is a good starting point for introducing dance into the curriculum. Suggestions for developing an aerobic dance unit are given. (DF)

This kit, which includes a workbook and a companion CD-ROM, is designed to help dancers develop a better understanding of musical time and phrasing, two concepts that directly correspond with dancers' activities. These materials provide an interdisciplinary approach that bridges the perceptual barrier between dancers and musicians by explaining…

This paper describes an improvisational dance model that analyzes verbs and adverbs in terms of their movement essence and yields a unique group dance using dancers of any age or experience. Essence dance uses word cards to build a dance. Each word (verb or adverb) suggests a movement or use of the body. The teacher begins by charting a piece of…

This investigation extends previous research on the benefits of dance education, by further exploring the correlates of participation in dance classes for adolescent girls. The survey evaluated self-esteem, body image, dance ability, and perceived quality of peer and parent relationships. Students with greater dance experience were expected to…

The Khmer Classical Dance Troupe are particularly poignant representatives of the peoples and music that are becoming part of America in the 1980s. Sought out for death in their own country, specifically because of their art, these refugees are the caretakers of all that remains of a 1200-year-old Cambodian tradition. (RM)

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)

Describes the importance of creative dance for the development of young children and the incorporation of creative dance in a preschool class. (RJC)

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…

Describes why and how to make movement part of the teaching routine to enhance the curriculum. Information is presented on movement logistics, managing movement, and music. The article explains how to integrate movement activities into specific science, social studies, math, and language arts units at various elementary school levels. (SM)

Dance education offers the opportunity for students to learn effective communication skills, gain self-confidence, and increase awareness of different cultures. At the heart of any quality arts education program is a sound curriculum that provides all students with sequential instruction and helps them achieve arts literacy. An introductory 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…