iServi News | 8 March 2019 | Term 1, Week 5
In an article published by Sir Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica it is stated that:
Dance – and physical activity – should have the same status in schools as math, science and language. (Robinson & Aronica, 2018)
In the article Robinson discusses the importance of equity in educating the whole child. He states that dance and the other Arts share the same importance as subjects such as languages, maths, science and humanities in the general education of every child.
So what is dance? “It is the physical expression through movement and rhythm of relationships, feelings and ideas. Nobody invented dance. It is deep in the heart of every culture throughout history; dance is part of the pulse of humanity. It embraces multiple genres, styles and traditions and is constantly evolving. Its roles range from recreational to sacred and cover every form of social purpose” (Robinson, 2018).
There are many advantages and benefits of students taking part in dance classes in schools:
- Dance education teaches the values and skills of creativity, problem solving and risk taking.
- Learning the dances of other cultures helps students to develop an understanding and respect for them (at Servite College students in Year 8 & 9 take part in Cultural and World Dance)
- Dance education improves abilities to cooperate and collaborate and encourages increased acceptance and respect of others
- Dance can help restore joy and stability in troubled lives and ease the tensions in schools that are disrupted by violence and bullying.
- Dance in schools is a means of fitness & physical activity for students. Dancing utilises the entire body and is an excellent form of exercise for total body fitness, appreciation of the body, concern for sound health practices, and effective stress management approaches. Physical activity has a positive influence on memory, concentration and classroom behaviour
- Physical Development: Dance develops a greater range of motion, coordination, strength and endurance in students through movement patterns that teach coordination and kinaesthetic memory.
- Emotional Maturity: Dance promotes psychological health and maturity. Children enjoy the opportunity to express their emotions and become aware of themselves and others through creative movement. Movement within a class offers a structured outlet for physical release while gaining awareness and appreciation of oneself and others.
- Social Awareness: Dance fosters social encounter, interaction, and cooperation. Children learn to communicate ideas to others through the real and immediate mode of body movement. Children quickly learn to work within a group dynamic and learn to understand themselves in relation to others.
- Cognitive Development: Young children will create movement spontaneously when presented with movement ideas or problems that can be solved with a movement response. Movement in dance provides the cognitive loop between the idea, problem, or intent and the outcome or solution. This teaches children (and ultimately adults) to function in and understand the world.
- Encourages Dance as a potential field for employment for those students who wish to pursue a career in The Arts
- Dance promotes many of the personal qualities that employers recognise as essential in a collaborative, adaptable work place
At Servite College we offer students the opportunity to take part in Dance through elective classes in an engaging and educational environment. In addition to this, students are also able to take part in co-curricular Dance activities. The Servite Hip Hop Crew is on every Monday after school from 3.30pm to 4.30pm, an exciting, no-audition dance class run by one of Perth’s top hip hop dancers, Megan Rennie. Although mostly for fun, the group will be working towards some key performances throughout the year. The Servite Dance Troupe also exists and is a group of dancers selected from Years 7-12. This group has been created to give our students the opportunity to extend and expand their dance knowledge, technique and performance qualities, including representing Servite at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and College events.
For a full list of Performing Arts opportunities at Servite College, please follow this link:
http://www.servite.wa.edu.au/blog/2019/02/08/performing-arts-2019/
Mrs Teresa Thomas
Acting Performing Arts Coordinator
References:
Robinson, K., & Aronica, L. (2019). Why dance is just as important as math in school. Retrieved from http://blog.ed.ted.com/2018/04/02/why-dance-is-just-as-important-as-math-in-school/?fbclid=IwAR1d-Usfr0mxIgl5SjjQW5Z6k5pGkTK3YdI1O0q41BxN3kHWrRUe7BLvjM8
Philosophy, Early Childhood Standards – National Dance Education Organization. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.ndeo.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=893257&module_id=55419
Hanna, J. (1999). 15 Reasons why all children should learn to dance. Retrieved from https://languageofthesoul.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/15-reasons-why-all-children-should-learn-to-dance/
