Honoring All Bodies: Student-Centered Alignment Cueing to Improve Dance Skills

Abstract

In this article the authors present practical approaches to alignment cueing using the Functional Awareness® approach to embodied anatomy. The pedagogical philosophy is beneficial for all levels of dance skill. We describe specific instructional practices to enhance understanding of the body, and the cueing can be incorporated in any dance class. The classroom applications encourage foot and ankle stability and explore hip joint mobility through the use of student-centered discovery cueing, anatomical visualizations, and self-tactile body mapping. The Functional Awareness approach provides purposeful cueing language to self-assess without subjective judgment, honoring the body structure of each student, and supporting dancer wellness. We propose that the practice of assessment without judgment and equity-informed alignment cueing nurtures student agency and develops efficacy in action.