The Evolution of Dance Education

  • The establishment of the American Association for Advancment Of Fhysical Education

    During the time of the civil war, physical education was officially a course in public education.
  • Period: to

    The Integrarion of dance in schools and colleges in the U.S

    As immigration to the States came in flux, folk dance became a popular form of P.E.
  • First Dance Major Program

    Margaret H' Doubler founded the first dance major program at the University of Wisconsin.
  • Period: to

    Conservative Era

    Dance was thought of solely as a physical exercise for strength and stamina.
  • Desegregation and Integration of Public Schools

    A focus on diversity and cultural backgrounds was added to the curriculum planning.
  • Soviet Union's Launch of Sputnik

    The United States felt threatened by the Soviet Unions science and mathmatics accomplishments, and a stress in those classes allowie progessive techniques to fade.
  • National Endowments for the Arts and for the Humanities

    Supoorted funding for artists and art programs in the schools.
  • Elementary Secondary Eduation Act

    To support the "war against poverty" the schools were funded, for innovative teaching projects. Special needs students, and gifted students were provided innovated projects and curriculum, including dance. This kicked of the developement of dance eduacation.
  • Period: to

    Increase in Government Funding For the Arts

    A stress in National Diversity lead to exposure in dance across the United States.
  • Title IX (part of ESEA)

    The shift of dance into Arts departments, from the Physical Education Program. This allowed for a bigger emphasis in creativity and aesthetic with in the dance education.
  • Merge of Male and Female Physical Education

    Led to a priority to teaching sports.
  • Period: to

    Different Learning Styles Acknowleged

    Critical thinking skills were valued, and connected to arts education.
  • Educate America Act

    Reinforced the place of the arts within public education. Arts was funded and considered apart of core curriculum with state standards.
  • Period: to

    United State Department of Educations Studies

    Showed that dance insn't a priority in Elementary Schools. The educational opportunity in dance was normally found in the secondary school levels.
  • No Child Left Behind Act In Effect

    An emphasis was stressed on accountability of education, which translated into test preperation, and test taking stategy. In many schools the arts, and physical programs were effected negatively.