Dance, Power, And Difference: Critical and Feminist Perspectives on Dance Eeducation

By Sherry B. Shapiro

" In Dance, Power, and Difference , eight leading dance educators from around the world examine the fundamental values and goals of dance and dance education. Using a variety of approaches-including general critique, case studies, and personal histories- Dance, Power, and Difference provides a foundation for reconstructing dance education in light of critical, social, and cultural concerns. This is not an answer book, however. It is a thought-provoking book that encourages readers to question traditional practices and develop a personal philosophy that is both critical and feminist. Dance, Power, and Difference seeks to transform the way readers think about dance-not only regarding how it is taught, researched, and critiqued, but also in terms of its purpose and aims. The contributors link dance to themes of human emancipation, multicultural awareness, and gender awareness, prompting readers to contemplate questions like these: - How do we think of and value ""the body"" in dance? - What cultural values, if any, should we impart to our students? - What changes might a feminist-oriented pedagogy for dance stimulate? - How should we prepare ourselves to work with students from cultures that are different from our own? - Should we perpetuate old teaching methods? Part I introduces the reader to foundational questions concerning curriculum, pedagogy, and research. Part II presents personal stories that place these questions in the context of specific situations. Part III discusses the role of dance within the broader political and social arena. Each chapter includes an abstract, critical reflections, questions to spur class discussion and individual thought, and references. "

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0880117478
• ISBN13: 9780880117470
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Human Kinetics
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 14 to 22 years
• Grade Range: Grade 9 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Critical Thought in the Dance Classroom

What is the role of dance in society? How do the style of teaching and content of a dance class effect students? What are dance educators teaching beyond technique? What should dance educators be teaching? These questions and more are explored in this collection of writings from eight dance educators from around the world. In these provacative writings the traditional ideologies of dance teaching and the purpose of dance in society are deconstructed, and critically examined. Through case studies, personal histories, and critical analysis the authors question traditional authoritarian dance teaching styles and values. All of the writings included are well written, and offer insight into critical and feminist pedagogical thought, and it's application in a dance class. Many borrow ideas directly from the writings of Paulo Friere on critical thought and analysis. The articles are informative, and thought provoking, raising questions on the value of art and the artist within the arts in society in general, and the value of education, not just dance education but education overall. It is a book that should be read by all dance and arts educators, at every level of education.