When we are giving workshops to teachers on traditional social dance, the most commonly asked questions concern partners and the joining of hands. Children, as well, have legitimate concerns about who they are with and the social consequences that might follow. Many dance programs have faltered on this issue by insisting on boy/girl couples without…
Archive | Teaching
Building Community Through Traditional Dance
In many countries of the world, traditional dance is an everyday part of the culture. People come together to celebrate festivals, births, weddings, feast days and other life events through dancing. Everyone is a dancer. Traditional dances are generally not very difficult. Everyone can feel successful in a very short time. Although traditional dance is…
Dancing in the Classroom
Here are some tips for teachers on how to make dancing a regular part of classroom life: Clear out a dancing space. Be creative and bold, making the space as long and wide as possible. With clear assignments and some practice your class should be able to clear the room in less than a minute.…