ERIC Number: EJ821060
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Dec
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1367-6261
EISSN: N/A
Dancing beyond Exercise: Young People's Experiences in Dance Classes
Gardner, Sally May; Komesaroff, Paul; Fensham, Rachel
Journal of Youth Studies, v11 n6 p701-709 Dec 2008
Dance classes in urban settings may have a role in health-promotion programmes seeking to increase physical activity amongst young people. However, little is so far known about the motivations, experiences or health outcomes of those participating in dance classes. This qualitative study of young people attending recreational dance classes addressed motivations, the nature of the class experience, and implications for health and well-being. Data show that young dance participants' experiences of "the physical" are embedded in social, community/cultural or other values, and involve respect for older teachers and physical knowledge/expertise gained over the long term. Encouragement of dance-class participation may offer an important strategy for health promotion as long as the physical activity value of dance classes is not promoted in narrow, bio-mechanical terms.
Descriptors: Dance Education, Motivation, Recreational Activities, Foreign Countries, Interviews, Adolescents, Young Adults, Urban Areas, Self Esteem, Student Attitudes, Psychological Patterns, Values, Participation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A