Martha Graham stated, "If I could say it, I wouldn't have to dance it". This quote from a famous modern dancer sparked interest for me to research more about the importance of dance education in the lives of children.
Some other questions I have thought about:
- How do the arts impact standardized testing scores?
- What challenges do dance teachers face dealing with children of disabilities?
- Why are males less likely to participate in dance and what can be done/ how can the course attract males to participate?
- How do children who participate in the arts compare to children who do not? (academically-overall outcome)
- Can the arts help motivate children to learn?
- Are critical thinking skills developed by participating in the arts?
As I think more about this project and dance I will post more questions that I think about!
2 comments:
I like your question about having males participate in dance classes. I think males do like to dance, but their masculinity would be threatened. If we were able to do something to change the mind-set of boys who are self-conscious about what other people think of them, then there would be more males participating in fine arts. Since they are just growing up, and what their peers think of them is crucial, I believe that it would be hard to get males to participate in activities that seem more feminine to boys.
Yes, and this question was asked of me for my teacher education interview. It is important for children and adults to learn that dance is much more than dancing around in tight leotards with tiaras to music. It can be extremely physical which most who do not dance, do not know. I think bringing in activities for the class that demonstrates this would be a great way. For example, in a choreography class I had, we were to cut out about 20 sports pictures from magazines or newspapers. We then put them in an order that we liked, and were to recreate each movement. In the end, we had a string of different poses that we were suppose to perform. So really, there was no other dancing. Just to recreate the poses as quickly as possible. Involving sports and physicality is a definite way to show that there is nothing feminine about this assignment! I was bruised and in pain when this assignment was over, and definitely out of breath!
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