Folk Dance in the Educational Process

Abstract

Current research highlights the importance of art and its benefits in the holistic development of the individual in the educational process. The literature focuses mainly on the visual arts and music, while studies on dance, namely folk dance, and its contribution to the overall health of the individual are just beginning. The aim of the present study was to analyze the contribution of folk dance and its identity dimension in examining the holistic approach of the individual in the educational process. In particular, the contribution of folk dance during the school age represents the foundation of the development of the individual and his holistic approach. Folk dance is a practice of forming the cultural identity of individuals that allows them to self-identify, on the one hand, and redefine themselves on the other. Certain characteristics of mental resilience studied in relation to folk dance appear to contribute positively to children’s holistic psycho-emotional development, providing multiple benefits. Research has shown that folk dance works beneficially and holistically across all ages, genders, socio-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Thus, this article reports the conclusions of a study in the field of artistic-choreographic education highlights the identity dimension, the ends and goals of folk dance in the educational process.