“I’m not a dancer!” If that thought has ever crossed your mind when considering dance integration, don’t worry! Dance integration isn’t about perfect pirouettes or flashy jazz hands—it’s about using movement creatively to make learning more engaging and memorable. Let’s swap fear for curiosity and explore simple ways to bring dance into your classroom. Dance isn’t just for the studio or the stage; it’s a powerful tool for learning. When students move their bodies, they engage multiple senses, reinforce concepts, and build connections. Wherever you are on your dance integration journey, here are a few tips to make it feel less scary and more approachable: Start Small You don’t have to jump into a 45-minute dance integration lesson immediately. Instead, ease into it with small, manageable steps. Start by incorporating simple movement strategies, perhaps ones you picked up at PSAE’s Arts Integration Conference, as an activator or check for understanding. For example, try the Move It! Shape It! strategy: ● Give students a vocabulary word or concept to express in movement. ● Play music and students move to express vocabulary or a concept through movement. ● When the music stops, students freeze in a body shape. ● Repeat with different terms. Even a few minutes of dance can enhance engagement and learning. Utilize Resources There are plenty of resources to support you on your dance integration journey. Reach out to a dance specialist, integration coach, professional learning community, or a colleague as thought partners. Collaborating on curriculum connections, discussing dance strategies, and implementation will help refine your ideas and strengthen your plan. The ArtsNOW website also offers a wealth of tools for dynamic arts-integrated learning, including unit guides, single lesson plans, and video modules. With these resources and a supportive network, your dance integration journey will feel more manageable and rewarding. No Dance Skills Required. Successfully facilitating a dance integration activity or lesson doesn’t require special dance skills. What’s important is knowing the learning target, standard, core content vocabulary, and a few key dance terms. These key terms fall under the elements of dance: Body, Space, Time, and Energy. Key terms for each element include: ● Body: Body Shapes, Movement, Locomotor and Non-locomotor ● Space: levels, size, pathways ● Time: tempo, beat ● Energy: qualities of movement, force As the facilitator, your role is to guide the process of creating, performing, responding to, and connecting dance with other content areas. Here are some content ideas with key vocabulary: ● Students create symmetrical and asymmetrical body shapes at high, middle, and low levels. ● Students create a 3 movement sequence that retells events from the beginning, middle, and end of a story using locomotor and non-locomotor movements. ● Students explore movements for different types of weather focusing on movement qualities (vibratory, heavy, sudden, smooth) ● Students create movements that depict key events during westward expansion utilizing changes in tempo, at least two movement qualities, and pathways. With a thoughtfully designed integration activity and a solid understanding of essential dance terminology, you'll be leading learning through dance — no fancy footwork necessary. You don’t need a dance studio or fancy costumes to integrate dance. Remember to begin with small steps, utilize available resources, and deepen your understanding of essential dance terminology. As you embark on your integration journey, let curiosity and courage take the place of fear. Dance integration isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about fostering expression, engagement, and creating meaningful learning experiences for your students.
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AuthorKayleigh Vaughn is the Director of Exhibitions and Programs at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and serves as the treasurer for the Palmetto State Arts Education board. With a passion for South Carolina’s cultural history, she curates exhibits that celebrate the state’s diverse heritage and artistic traditions. AuthorChristopher Crabb is a Project Manager with ArtsNOW and serves on the board for PSAE (Palmetto State Arts Education). Over his 20-year career in public education, Chris has served as a dance educator, arts-integration instructional coach, arts grant manager, and district coordinator of performing and fine arts. He was the 2022 Arts Administrator of the Year (SC Art Education Association) and a Top 5 Finalist for Beaufort County District Teacher of the Year. AuthorKerrie Kish is the principal at Fairforest Elementary, PSAE’s 2023 STEAM School of Excellence. Before transitioning into administration 9 years ago, she taught visual arts for 11 years at the elementary and middle school levels. Mrs. Kish serves on PSAE’s Board of Directors and avidly supports learners and leaders through STEAM integration. AuthorMelody Powell is a 3rd grade teacher at Stone Academy, an arts integrated elementary school in Greenville County. Outside of the classroom, Melody serves on the board for PSAE (Palmetto State Arts Education), works with the ABC Institute as a part of the Teacher as Curator cohort, and is an active teaching partner with the SMARTarts program (a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Arts Council). Archives
November 2024
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