Dance and Core Academics

In an April 2011 speech, Secretary of Education, Arnie Duncan made the point that "for decades, arts education has been treated as though it was the novice teacher at school - the last hired and the first fired when times get tough". He was echoing a sentiment of many prominent educators who have championed the inclusion and/or expansion of arts in schools. Dance in particular has suffered as the smallest of the four art forms.

But that is changing. EdWeek reported on an elementary school in Maryland where students execute dance movements to simulate the elements of photosynthesis, including water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll. They leaned, reached, and flowed with surprising grace. Want to bet that the retention and understanding of this lesson is much higher?

And that is the point. Cross curriculum or mutual learning takes place when core subjects are matched with rhythm and movement. GeoMotion, a company based in Orlando, FL, has developed a mat with numbers on it. By following the numbers and directional ques, students integrate math and other core subjects while working out. Their 'Meaningful Movement' program is based on integrated learning and it makes sense - it addresses all the levels of optimal learning to include:

• Rhythmical / Musical
• Visual / Spatial
• Body / Kinesthetic
• Auditory / Verbal
• Mathematical / Logical
• Interpersonal
• Intrapersonal

Very few teaching tools can claim the inclusive approach to learning. Does this mean that every teacher must be a dancer as well? Obviously not - but why not? The research sited on this blog in the past confirms over and over that cardiovascular activities increases learning without decreasing test scores if time is taken away from 'regular' classes.

A survey taken in 2000 indicated that only 14% of schools offered any form of dance (excluding PE activities).  Now 36 states offer K-12 teaching credentials in dance. The growth is spurted mainly through PE programs and is increasingly taught as an art form or exercise form. Purists maintain that the art of dance uses movement to create meaning about the human experience and is far more that just art or exercise. Irrespective, dance and other forms of art programs provides a variety of academic and social benefits to students. It seems a powerful way to to promote critical thinking and creativity amongst other skills.

It's time to put on those tapping shoes!
Michael Cordier