Philosophy & Approach

Educational Philosophy: DDC’s mission statement affirms that Dance is a powerful means of communication and that it plays a necessary and valuable part in our physical, emotional, mental and creative lives. All of our classes, workshops and teacher in-services place the learner central to the experience. We are devoted to assisting each participant in discovering his or her creative voice, irrespective of dance experience. Special education students are included in all classes and attend performances together with general education students. Working with young people requires that we, as responsible artist and teachers, constantly revisit the craft as well as the art of dance. By so doing, we hone our choreographic skills and update our teaching methods.

Approach: Classes in the schools are designed after thorough consultation and planning with school personnel. They relate directly to academic and arts curricula, may deal with a specific theme, or may initiate or enhance a particular dance project. A supportive atmosphere for learning is established, one in which many answers to creative problem solving are correct. The classes emphasis cooperative learning and the respect for the efforts of others. Classes deal directly with space, time and energy and link the art and the craft of dance to every day activities and to the selected academic curriculum. When appropriate, informal showings are arranged so that students may appreciate the work created together in the classroom.

Orientation meetings with school or community personnel discuss the goals and objectives of the residency, the schedule, teacher participation and the project’s expectations. One on one meetings with teachers are arranged to plan specific classroom activities.

Teacher in-services take the participants through an actual class in creative dance and also incorporate the activities included in the orientation meetings.

Evaluation sessions occur throughout our residencies and are conducted with classroom teachers, students and administrators. These are vital to keeping the school residency on target and to laying the groundwork for future residencies.

Contact Barbara Selinger who will assist you in planning DDC performing/teaching residencies and arts in education projects in your schools and community. All projects can be designed to that meet your needs and budget. barb@ddcdances.org

GET FUNDED

ARTS IN EDUCATION GRANTS are available through the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs. Yearly deadline is June 1. Information, applications and guidelines can be found on-line: www.michigan.gov

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