Dance Pedagogy

Dance is an important part of the physical education curriculum. It has many physical, cognitive, and social-emotional benefits for students and sets them up to be successful in a variety of social settings.

SHAPE America Appropriate Practices

  • 1.4.2 Teachers intentionally select activities that represent a culturally diverse environment (e.g., dances and games from around the world).
  • 1.5.2 All students are encouraged, supported and socialized toward successful achievement in all content taught in physical education (e.g., dance is for everyone).
  • 3.1.6 The teacher includes a variety of rhythmical, expressive, creative and culturally enriching dance experiences designed with the children’s physical, cultural, emotional and social abilitiesin mind.

​Teaching Dance for Understanding

"​Teaching Dance for Understanding is a learner-centered approach that helps educators draw from students' knowledge, creativity and personal interests, while delivering a purposeful curriculum that develops physical literacy and fundamental movement skills." Also see this open access article from JOPERD.

Using 360 Videos for 4-Wall Dances

Software that comes with 360 degree cameras (at least mine) allows you to take a 360 degree video and edit it into a "Point of View" (POV) video. Why is this important? Traditionally, when 4-wall dances changes directions (rotates 90 degrees) the view changes from watching the dancers from behind (matching), to a side view, then to a front view (mirror), to another side view, and then back to watching from behind. With a POV video students will always see a matching perspective, which should be much easier to follow along. Use a projector for one wall and use yourself for the opposite wall (this ensures students can always see a demonstrator). Watch on Youtube to change the POV.
Original 360 Video
​(use mouse to change the view)
After Editing into a POV
​(view rotates on its own)

Using 360 Videos for Dance Showcases

This dance was filmed with the camera hanging from the ceiling. This technique allows you to showcase all students and is great for parents. It can also be used to assess students' performances.