Integrating a Brain-Compatible Curriculum into a Higher Education Dance Major

ABSTRACT

In the fall of 2012, the University of Tampa dance program proposed its first dance major. The vision was to build a unique curriculum that would strengthen our approach to teacher training and offer the tools to teach a wide variety of populations. Much of the inspiration for this approach came from our training with Anne Green Gilbert, the creator of Brain-Compatible Dance Education (BCDE). This framework provided the impetus for the development of our comprehensive and specialized pedagogical curriculum. These holistic approaches develop students into skilled technicians, critical thinkers, collaborators, and creators. Although the initial curriculum was challenged by students, a series of revisions and the addition of the William “Bill” Evans method of teaching provided a successful platform for them to access BCDE. The journey through the ever-evolving development of this curriculum has proven to produce knowledgeable, fearless, and empowered teachers.

KEYWORDS:

• Brain-Compatible Dance Education
• higher education

Notes

1. Student quotes are used and excerpted with verbal permission.