DANC 350

Credit: 4 hours.

Provides both theoretical explorations of and practical experiences in teaching dance to children and adult populations. Through reading and discussion students will engage with multiple pedagogical methodologies in preparation to responsibly teach dance courses. Students will learn to prepare and present culturally relevant movement assignments and lesson plans, create safe learning environments based on anatomical and kinesiology principles, and research and write about multiple dance styles and pedagogical methods in regards to their cultural and aesthetic histories. Students will practice teaching by serving as teaching assistants in non-dance major classes (ballet, hip-hop, improvisation, jazz, modern, tap, umfundalai, etc.), or, by serving as assistants in the Saturday Department of Dance Creative Dance for Children classes offered to the community. Under supervision of the assigned instructor, students will teach movement activities and classes. Students will prepare for their teaching assistantships by designing lesson plans and observing and critiquing peer and experienced teachers. Students will also develop materials (teaching philosophy, cover letter/resume) in preparation for a career as a teaching artist and/or classroom educator.

Prerequisite: Restricted to Dance majors only.