National Dance Standards

National Standards for Dance Education

What Every Young American Should Know and Be Able to Do in Dance

Developed by the National Dance Association

Grades K - 4:

Children in grades K-4 love to move and learn through engagement of the whole self. They need to become literate in the language of dance in order to use this natural facility as a means of communication and self-expression, and as a way of responding to the expression of others. Dancing and making dances provide them with skills and knowledge necessary for all future learning in dance and gives them a way to celebrate their humanity.

1. Content Standard: Identifying and demonstrating movement elements and skills in performing dance

2.Content Standard: Understanding choreographic principles, processes and structures

3.Content Standard: Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning

4.Content Standard: Applying and demonstrating critical and creating thinking skills in dance

5. Content Standard: Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical periods

6. Content Standard: Making connections between dance and healthful living

7. Content Standard: Making connections between dance and other disciplines

Grades 5 - 8:

Through creating, performing, and responding to dance, middle school students can continue to develop skills and knowledge that enhance the important development of self-imaging and social relationships. Cooperation and collaboration are emphasized at this age, fostering positive interactions.

1. Content Standard: Identifying and demonstrating movement elements and skills in performing dance

2. Content Standard: Understanding choreographic principles, processes, and structures

3. Content Standard: Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning

4. Content Standard: Applying and demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills in dance

5. Content Standard: Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical periods

6. Content Standard: Making connections between dance and healthful living

7. Content Standard: Making connections between dance and other discipline

Grades 9 - 12:

High school students need to continue to dance and create dances in order to develop more highly their ability to communicate in a way that is different from the written or spoken word, or even from other visual or auditory symbol systems. They also need to respect their bodies and to understand that dance is the product of intentional and intelligent physical actions. Continued development of movement skills and creative and critical thinking skills in dance is important regardless of whether students intend a dance career.

1. Content Standard: Identifying and demonstrating movement elements and skills in performing dance

2. Content Standard: Understanding choreographic principles, processes, and structures

3. Content Standard: Understanding dance as a way to create and communicate meaning

4. Content Standard: Applying and demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills in dance

5. Content Standard: Demonstrating and understanding dance in various cultures and historical periods

6. Content Standard: Making connections between dance and healthful living

7. Content Standard: Making connections between dance and other disciplines

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