So why don’t our schools and colleges do more to teach and promote Social Dance? Why do we pour tons of time, money, and energy into “competitive sports programs” and “performance dance classes” which have predictably resulted in a “spectator society” of overweight couch potatoes?
In contrast, Social Dance can take place literally anywhere, is relatively injury-free, and doesn’t need any special equipment other than a boom box. And it’s not rocket science. In fact, the steps are pretty simple. You can go to YouTube for lots of free instructional videos. Here's a PSA (public service announcement) I did a few years ago on this subject -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRxcnqKMAzQ
In fact, there is already a non-profit organization, Dancing Classrooms, that does just that. DC sends “teaching artists” into schools to teach grades 5 and 8, mainly. They are in many cities and countries and are doing a good job overall, although I have a couple of criticisms.
First, DC supports a competition at the end of the 10-week
session, which tends to defeat the purpose of promoting a cooperative environment. Social dance should offer
students an oasis from our overly competitive culture, not another unnecessary hurdle to overcome.
And secondly, DC prefers not to teach high
school students, just the age group who could benefit from Social Dance lessons
the most. It is such a positive and socializing influence
that older students desperately need, particularly when the music is uplifting and
everyone participates, as in Contra dancing.
Frankly, all educational institutions, including college, should teach social dance at some point during the school year. Some schools already have it as part of their curriculum, but it should be taught to all students every year.
Frankly, all educational institutions, including college, should teach social dance at some point during the school year. Some schools already have it as part of their curriculum, but it should be taught to all students every year.
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