Section 3: Using dance for learning

Key Focus Question: How can you use dance to enhance learning and physical well-being?

Keywords: dance; choreography; culture; domba; tradition; change

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this section, you will have:

  • explored ways to show how African dance traditions can express society’s needs and values;
  • helped your pupils understand the changing nature of tradition through practical dance;
  • drawn on dance traditions to improve learning and assessment, and develop pupils’ physical well-being.

Introduction

The arts in general are an integral part of the culture of a people and dance is a very strong and vibrant dimension of many cultures. Dance is part of every aspect of African life. Many forms of dance originating in Africa, although rooted in the past, have changed or have been lost, so encouraging an interest in dance will protect those still in use.

This section will help you develop ways of using dance in the classroom. It explores the cultural traditions of dance in Africa, as well as new ways you can use dance across the curriculum.

Resource 6: Thinking back about dance

1. Exploring culture through dance