Dance is a non-threatening, non-competitive way to challenge participants to improve physical skills and artistic expression. The abundance of research shows the benefits of physical activity in general, and dance, in particular. The idea of integrating the arts, including dance, into the broader curriculum is not new but appears to be achieving a stronger foothold in public schools today. Dance is an artistic form of expression where bodily activities are used to convey any inner thoughts and feelings, emphasize creativity, solve problems, express emotions and more (Dimondstein 5). Studies show that today there is a small percentage of public schools, both elementary and secondary, that offer any instruction in dance. Instead, teachers
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Kinesthetic learning, the act of learning by carrying out a physical activity and the kind of learning that occurs in a dance studio, is by definition learning by doing (Carter). The importance of a program in dance for children is to help them develop a kinesthetic awareness of their ability to use their bodies expressively. Kinesthetic awareness refers not only to a child’s bodily reactions or muscle memory but also to a conscious perception of his body’s ability to “feel” movement (Dimondstein 5). When children are presented with an abstract dance problem, they are encouraged to think about it through a kinesthetic solution. Because dance is nonverbal, the challenge is to communicate and relate kinesthetically to the movements of others (Murray 9). This form of learning tends to resonate the strongest with children, and the cognitive learning skills that they develop in dance can be carried over into the classroom as they develop their ability to think through abstract problems (Parsad). Experiences in dance are essential and available to all children because a child’s body and expression work as one (Dimondstein 3). The analysis of the behaviors of students suggested that, during the course of studies, the kinesthetic learners developed reflective thinking such as the ability …show more content…
It is obvious that dance evidently has physical benefits such as supporting the development of children’s balance, coordination, motor skills, obesity, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, etc., but dance also plays a positive role in promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles. On a more physical level, dance can give participants a great mind-body workout (Let’s Dance to Health). Children need to move vigorously and often; this is known and acknowledged. They should get such movement in games, sports, fitness activities, etc, but just as important is their need to dance (Murray 10). Participating in dance provides creative, healthy and stimulating experiences for any individual. Physical activity, such as dance, can help keep the body, including the brain, healthy with aging (Ladock). Dancing strengthens bones and muscles, tones the entire body, improves posture and balance, reduces stress and tension, and builds confidence in participants (Let’s Dance to Health). Dance can increase self-esteem and develop social abilities. Because physical exercise reduces stress and tension, dancing gives participants a general sensation of well-being (Carter). The teaching of dance in public
Kinesthetic learning, the act of learning by carrying out a physical activity and the kind of learning that occurs in a dance studio, is by definition learning by doing (Carter). The importance of a program in dance for children is to help them develop a kinesthetic awareness of their ability to use their bodies expressively. Kinesthetic awareness refers not only to a child’s bodily reactions or muscle memory but also to a conscious perception of his body’s ability to “feel” movement (Dimondstein 5). When children are presented with an abstract dance problem, they are encouraged to think about it through a kinesthetic solution. Because dance is nonverbal, the challenge is to communicate and relate kinesthetically to the movements of others (Murray 9). This form of learning tends to resonate the strongest with children, and the cognitive learning skills that they develop in dance can be carried over into the classroom as they develop their ability to think through abstract problems (Parsad). Experiences in dance are essential and available to all children because a child’s body and expression work as one (Dimondstein 3). The analysis of the behaviors of students suggested that, during the course of studies, the kinesthetic learners developed reflective thinking such as the ability …show more content…
It is obvious that dance evidently has physical benefits such as supporting the development of children’s balance, coordination, motor skills, obesity, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, etc., but dance also plays a positive role in promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles. On a more physical level, dance can give participants a great mind-body workout (Let’s Dance to Health). Children need to move vigorously and often; this is known and acknowledged. They should get such movement in games, sports, fitness activities, etc, but just as important is their need to dance (Murray 10). Participating in dance provides creative, healthy and stimulating experiences for any individual. Physical activity, such as dance, can help keep the body, including the brain, healthy with aging (Ladock). Dancing strengthens bones and muscles, tones the entire body, improves posture and balance, reduces stress and tension, and builds confidence in participants (Let’s Dance to Health). Dance can increase self-esteem and develop social abilities. Because physical exercise reduces stress and tension, dancing gives participants a general sensation of well-being (Carter). The teaching of dance in public