Dance

What is it?
Dance can and should be much more than physical recreation. Participants can choose from a wide range of dance forms and styles, from ballroom or classical ballet to South Asian dance or street jazz. It enhances fitness, flexibility and stamina but also encourages creative expression and performance skills.

Safety Message
It is essential that participants find a teacher who is appropriately qualified and/or experiences in the dance style. As with other physical disciplines, poor guidance can result in injury. The dance student should also make sure that the studio or hall is safe (i.e. not dancing on a concrete floor). Clothing will depend upon the dance style studied. Some require special footwear; other styles are usually performed barefoot.

Ideas/Aims
You should draw up with your teacher appropriate targets depending upon previous experience. There are many examinations and certificates in dance on offer and you may wish to work towards one of these. The following list provides some general areas/issues, which a you might consider:
• Find out about the history and/or cultural context of the dance form (e.g. ballet, contemporary dance).
• Acquire a basic understanding of anatomy and how this relates to safe dance practice, for example, the importance of warming up the muscles properly before starting a class.
• Consider what are the benefits of participating in dance apart from improving one's physical fitness.
• Arrange a dance performance - this might be just for friends, family or other people in your class.

Review/Assessment
The reviewer/assessor must ensure that the young person is aware of safe dance practice. He or she should set goals for the participant, which are realistic, taking into consideration the person's level of dance knowledge and skill when he or she starts the programme. The participant should show improvement over a period of time, that improvement might include a greater understanding of the context of dance as well as improvement in performance.

Governing Body/Organisation
There is no single governing body or organisation for dance education. Several teaching societies offer examinations in dance. The Council for Dance Education and Training can provide guidance. Contact:

CDET, Studio Eight, The Glasshouse, 49a Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8QP
E-mail: cdet@btconnect.com
web site: www.cdet.org.uk