Dance education in the P-12 setting serves many purposes, including creating technicians, producing creative thinkers, and increasing students' understanding of emotional and physical health. However, in settings where there is often only one teacher running an underfunded program, how is it possible to attain all these goals? The instructor…

Content Literacy, 21st Century Skills, and Common Core Standards are quickly becoming the buzz of current public education initiatives. As these new policies dictate educational reform, public schools are hustling to find meaning, definition, and accountability for these future expectations. Content literacy goes beyond the ability to read and…

The idea of "best practices" in the performing arts is introduced as a set of progressive educational values and pedagogical strategies that attempt to not only train youth in the performing arts, but also to be transformative. This article builds on the work of educational reformer John Dewey to describe progressive performing arts…

In this article, the author shares how she was able to help young choreographers in East Oakland, California, to find their own creative voices, choose new movement styles and discover dance as a way to express something important and meaningful about their lives through their two-year dance history project. East Oakland School of the Arts (EOSA)…

The intent of this action research study was to determine the effect peer coaching had on transfer of skills and content in the secondary arts classroom. Incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study took place in two public high schools, one a suburban high school and the other a first ring suburban high school (close to an…

There are many body therapies from which dancers may choose in order to gain and maintain strength, flexibility, and balance and to avoid injury or facilitate rehabilitation from injury. The questions are: which system is best for the given student, and how can educators incorporate the many somatic perspectives into their curriculums. This…

An evaluative study was conducted wherein student choreography in 14 Utah secondary schools was assessed by student teachers for incidence and frequency of sexually objectifying or exploitative movement and thematic development. Data regarding each student work was compared with information provided by student choreographers in a written…

Dance as an art form is transformational to body, mind, and spirit. The author opines that public education would do just fine if dance was the "only" subject taught. This article presents the author's reflection on progress of dance in K-12 education. The author contends that progress in dance in K-12 education can perhaps be judged by the fact…

A history of the outstanding K-12 dance program in Vancouver, Washington, is provided, including various strategies used to promote its growth from a few pilot elementary schools through middle schools to an arts magnet high school. Numerous changes have been weathered by the professional dance staff, including certification challenges instigated…

The transition from teaching dance in higher education to the secondary school setting can be turbulent. Dance curriculum for secondary students must meet their developmental and psychological needs, while also fitting into an abbreviated class period. Individuals making this transition must be aware of the different goals that a middle or high…