Partnering Dance and Education: Intelligent Moves for Changing Times by Judith Lynne Hanna. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics Press, 1999. xvi + 256 pp., photographs, illustrations, appendices, bibliography, index. $30.00 paperbound.

Abstract

Dance education is at a critical juncture in the United States. Even though it has gained wide acceptance as a valuable educational discipline and has achieved such victories as inclusion in the National Goals, its future remains uncertain. Educational reform, budget cuts, and conflicting views on the relevance of arts education all bring into question how--and if--dance should be taught in our schools.In Partnering Dance and Education, Dr. Judith Lynne Hanna presents a compelling argument for making dance central to every student's education. She examines current trends and issues in education to show how dance can be successfully justified and taught in today's changing educational environment. Rich with examples from arts magnet schools, arts organization offerings, dance company programs, public school instruction, and programs for at-risk youth, the book addresses difficult questions, including: - Is dance education in and of itself worthwhile?- What are the ways of providing dance education?- Who should teach dance in public schools?- Why and how should we connect dance to other bodies of knowledge?- What can be learned in, about, and through dance?- Does dance education benefit at-risk youth?- Do we teach gender roles in dance education?- What are the advantages and problems with cultural diversity in dance education?Divided into two parts, Partnering Dance and Education is full of information and insights that readers will find both illuminating and thought provoking. Part I recognizes dance as a discipline in its own right with a distinct body of knowledge. Chapters discuss the benefits and methods of providing dance education, ways dance education can develop within the education reform movement, and who should teach dance.Part II addresses how dance education, while meaningful in itself, has broader relevance. Chapters discuss how dance can be used to teach academic and workplace skills, help at-risk youth, promote national identity while preserving cultural diversity, and help people cope with stress. It explains how children's dance during free play can be used as a teaching tool, and it looks at the role of dance in teaching students about gender. A special appendix poses challenging discussion questions for students and teachers. An extensive dance resources appendix includes suggested readings, as well as the addresses and phone numbers of leading dance organizations, programs, and schools.