Dance can communicate all emotions, tell a story, or conjure a mood.
Communication is enhanced through dance because it provokes responses from both participants and audiences. Dance is more than a visual art for it is clearly kinesthetic as well, in that it often appeals to our inherent sense of motion. Thus, a dancer may be viewed as a pot in motion, as human movements can convey a vast array of messages.
It is the integration of fine art forms and physical training and expression that makes Dance a unique medium in which students become communicators, share a common purpose, become aware of others’ values, think creatively and analytically, and develop as artists and performers in a non-competitive setting.
The overall goal of dance education is to foster a positive self-concept in students by encouraging them to learn how to think creatively and express their thoughts and feelings in physical form.
GOALS
- To develop positive personal and social growth through dance experiences. The students will
- a) improve self-confidence
- b) acquire and improve the ability to interact with a group by analyzing dual and group tasks.
- c) develop the ability to offer and accept constructive criticism.
- d) Develop stage presence and performer’s composure
- To acquire competency in a wide range of dance disciplines through the development of the physical and cognitive aspects of dance. The students will
- obtain and improve strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and control through dance movements
- understand and practice correct warm-up techniques
- demonstrate proper body alignment and pasture
- develop physical competency in a variety of dance steps and techniques
- extend development of sensory and spatial awareness
- improve focus and concentration to enhance the memorization of dance combinations and sequences
- recognize and follow different rhythms and tempos
- understand and use movement shapes and patterns
- learn and apply dance terminology
- use choreographic techniques
- develop the ability to investigate, critique and evaluate various aspects of choreography
- To enhance creative thinking abilities through exploration and reaction to a variety of stimuli. The students will
- acquire a repertoire of approaches in analyzing and creating movement
- develop imagination and obtain freedom in physical movement
- establish a foundation for further exploration in creative experience
- become aware of, and sensitive to, music and rhythm
- interpret and portray mood through movement
- create costumes
- To cultivate an appreciation for dance as an ongoing life experience. The students will become aware of
- dance as an integral part in society
- the history of dance as it influences dance today
- various dance forms
- and develop respect for excellence in dance