Lifelong learning and professional development are at the foundation of ALL programs at Dance Education Canada. We are passionate about dance teacher training being so much more than just teaching steps, thus is why dance pedagogy guides our curriculum design. It is essential for those dedicated to the vocation of teaching, that workshops and other professional development opportunities are a part of your yearly learning plan. What does your lesson planning look like? Do you lesson plan? How do you structure your classes? What are the theories and research that support the structure of your classes? Perhaps it is fear of the unknown, or fear of being judged that fosters some insecurities in seeking out new information as dance educators. The only way we can continue to promote the value of an education in dance is if we model self-improvement and motivation. Maybe this podcast is a first step for you… in which case I enthusiastically applaud you. What a great step you are taking towards updating your skillset and questioning your current practice. So to help guide us on our journey of continued learning today, providing us with a mini pedagogical refresher is Ms. Diana Harris.

GUEST: Holding a B.A. in Dance Education and an M.S. in Exercise Science, Diana has taught dance in private schools, public schools and dance studios for almost 30 years. In 2012 she received a grant from the Guilford Fund for Education to develop and implement a curriculum that used dance to teach geometry to second graders, while directing a dance outreach program for fourth graders. She has served on the boards of the Connecticut Dance Alliance and New England Ballet Company and is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. She currently teaches in the dance department at Naugatuck Valley Community College and in the theater department at University of New Haven. Her textbook, Beginning Musical Theatre Dance is used in both high school and college musical theater classes.

FB: @thehealthydancer

TWIT: @healthydancer1

LINKEDIN: Diana (Dart) Harris

WEBSITE: thehealthydancer.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: Any and all ideas and information presented in the following podcast are those of the presenter. The presenter is not an employee or representative of Dance Education Canada (DEC), and is participating in this podcast on a voluntary basis. The ideas and information they express do not necessarily represent the views of the DEC or its partners, employees or affiliates. The ideas and information expressed herein are for general educational purposes only. They should not necessarily be applied to specific individual situations. DEC recommends consulting an expert or professional regarding specific medical, legal or business concerns. DEC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Please note that Canada's National Academy of Dance Education is now operating as Dance Education Canada.